The Hockey Writers
The New York Islanders will face the Florida Panthers in a game that will likely highlight two teams that are headed in opposite directions to close out the 2023-24 season. The Islanders, who have lost seven of their last eight games, are sliding out of the playoff picture with a 30-26-15 record, and at this point, it will take a miracle to see them sneak into a playoff spot. The Panthers on the other hand are 46-21-5 and in second place in the Atlantic Division and in an arms race for the best record in the NHL. The game between the Islanders and Panthers highlights the difference between an average or underachieving team and a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup.