New York Islanders: What Is Needed for a Playoff Appearance This Season

Now sitting precariously 10 points out of the playoffs and in 12th place in the East, the recent trend in play from everyone on the team has consolidated them into a formidable team on the ice—light years' difference from what we saw earlier this season.

It seems to be a pattern for the Islanders to have an extremely strong second half of the season; we saw it last year and the past few seasons before that.

Without the poor attitude and downtrodden way of playing we saw in November every time the Isles were scored on, we now see a team that has beaten some of the best in the league. Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Minnesota have all fallen victim to the Islanders' strong play.

San Jose couldn't finish the Isles in regulation; Chicago twice had to go to a shootout to get the win.

It's obvious the team can perform and play with the best. They're young, talented and have a capable squad.

So what is needed for a playoff berth this season?

First and foremost, it's an extremely difficult task ahead of them. Being 10 points out of a spot is a lot to make up for, but stranger things have most definitely happened in the hockey world (and before you scorn me for having such thoughts lets not forget the show the Devils put on last season and how close they came to making the playoffs).

The lower teams need to continue to under-perform, and the Islanders must beat them. If they can't beat the teams below them and acquire the so-called easy points, there is no way they can make a run. 

They must also continue to surprise—beating the teams they're not supposed to beat is a surefire way to gain ever-important confidence and points. Going into games knowing you beat Philadelphia for the first time in 13 games in Philly has a big impact.

The attitude of this team must be that of winners. They beat the big names, now its time to beat everyone else.

The goaltending situation is well taken care of at this point. Evgeni Nabakov has been a machine in the pipes; he allows the Islanders a chance to win every game they've played where he was the net minder, and bestows the confidence every team needs when their defense is less than the best.

Montoya is now active (although we'll have to see how he plays post-concussion) and was solid before he was hurt. His play must match that of Nabakov's. With DiPietro removed due to another injury, goaltending will remain in the traditional two-goalie system, which is a huge benefit in the consistency department.

Speaking of defense, the horrible miscommunications, lapses and overall poor play has rebounded somewhat since the beginning of this season. Minus a few hiccups (versus the Ducks), it has been much better and has given the offense a chance to build a lead instead of trying to play to a tie.

If they expect to make the playoffs then the defense must remain solid. No team can compete well enough to make the playoffs if their defense allows lapses and goals.

As for the offensive portion of this team, well, there are ups and downs.

While the first line remains on fire and is a force to be reckoned with, there is little else going on beyond that. The second line is the only line that contributes on a somewhat regular basis to the goals department.

This is unacceptable.

A one-line team can't win against the likes of playoff-hungry powerhouses. Capuano and his coaches must find a way to get the third and fourth line to start contributing points. Even the second line isn't producing enough to really build a playoff run. If he can, there's a lot more hope for this team to do much better.

Special teams is something the Islanders have going for them.

They are currently fifth best overall in power-play percentage, and eighth in the league in penalty kill. This team takes huge pride in their special teams, and doing so well in that category is a huge advantage in playoff games. Teams tend to play less aggressively when they are afraid to take a penalty knowing it's likely they will be scored against.

The pieces are there for this team to make a run, all that's left is for them to put their heads down, charge hard into games, play smart and win. They are completely capable of this—they've beaten the best and can play with the best.

Now all that's needed is the 110-percent effort to make up for those 10 points behind in the standings.