As good as the Islanders’ results have been this month, they are still digging themselves out of their early season hole and still have to keep up this pace and then some to pull off another late-season run to the wild card.

Tonight brings the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are 2-7-1 in their last 10…and only two points behind the Isles. And the Isles, of course, are still two points and two teams back of the second wild card spot with 13 games to play.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News

• Three takeaways from the OT loss to the Flames: Good second period, gotta close that out, not the only team Calgary’s done that to. [Isles]
• But make no mistake, it stung. [Post]
• The Skinny: “The Isles are 4-0-2 in their last six home games and 10-2-2 in their last 14 home games.” [Isles]
• The Isles are on a good run but have secured nothing yet, so they know they’ve gotta keep it going against the Blue Jackets. [Newsday]
• Max Tsyplakov has added some skill and competence to the Isles fourth line. [Post]
• Simon Holmstrom is getting a regular run with better linemates and continues to strengthen the coach’s trust. “It’s not just his offensive threats, it’s his all-around, 200-feet game.” [Isles]
• As expected, new NCAA signing (starting next year) Gleb Veremyev is Bridgeport-bound, and also Jesse Pulkkinen will head there, now that his Finnish season is over. [THN]

Elsewhere

Sunday’s NHL scores include a variety of games that don’t really affect the Isles.

• Montreal is abuzz because it’s been four years since they’ve seen the playoffs. [NHL]
• How backups to clear #1s handle their (lack of a) job. [NHL]
• Using EDGE stats to compare Quinn and Luke Hughes. [NHL]
• Brady Tkachuk drives the Senators. [Sportsnet]
• The Canucks have recalled Aatu Raty on emergency conditions, so maybe he gets an appearance against the Isles this week? [TSN]
• Old runningmate Nicklas Backstrom is enjoying watching Ovechkin’s record chase. [NHL]
• The Jets had a chance to clinch a playoff spot but lost, but coach Scott Arniel began tinkering with some adjustments for the postseason. [Sportsnet]
• Seth Jarvis had a scary crash into the boards but Rod Brind’Amour is optimistic that he’ll be alright. [TSN]
• Pat Maroon is retiring before he hits an offseason without any offers. [NHL]
• Thatcher Demko is nearing yet another return for the Canucks. [Sportsnet]