It is possible the Islanders will not make the playoffs. They are looking up at Columbus, which currently has the best odds of landing the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders will have to contend with the Hurricanes and Panthers, who are also fighting for the eighth spot. Before the deadline, GM Garth Snow’s biggest move was to acquire Chris Wagner from Anaheim for Jason Chimera.

None of this can make John Tavares feel good....

The Islanders have some good things. On Feb. 23, Snow re-upped Josh Bailey, Tavares’s linemate, to a six-year, $30 million extension. Rookie Mat Barzal will be a star for many years. But they do not have an ace in goal. Snow is locked in to Casey Cizikas ($3.35 million annually through 2021), Johnny Boychuk ($6 million through 2022), and Andrew Ladd ($5.5 million through 2023).

Tavares controls the situation. His decision will have long-lasting effects on the organization.

-Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe where you can read more on Tavares and other topics including the rebuild for the NYR.