The Islanders wake up still in second place in the Metro after the Capitals lost in regulation to Florida last night.
They are in Chicago to try to rebound from the loss in Columbus and build some cushion in the ever-close Eastern standings — where Buffalo is now two points behind.
After a promising but illusory start to the season, the Hawks are now near the bottom of the Western Conference and the league, spending an extended stretch without Connor Bedard. They’re 2-8 over their last 10, but a bad record didn’t stop the Blue Jackets.
As the Isles recover from the disappointing ending in Columbus, maybe things will be better in Chicago…
Lots of games last night, including the Sabres winning their freaking ninth in a row. Also, the Blue Jackets handled their back-to-back just fine, with Jet Greaves getting his second win in as many nights.