The New York Islanders picked up two big points to keep their slim playoff hopes alive on Friday night, but it turned out to be a very costly win.
Star forward John Tavares was injured in the win, and now it appears that his regular season is finished. He had to be helped off the ice after getting caught in the net in the third period.
The team announced on Saturday morning that Tavares is going to be sidelined on a week-to-week basis with a lower body injury, and with only one week remaining in the regular season, the Islanders would almost certainly need to make the playoffs to see him on the ice again this season.
#Isles Injury Update: John Tavares is week to week with a lower body injury.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 1, 2017
Even after Friday’s win the Islanders remain four points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and have three teams sitting between them and a wild card position.
In 77 games this season Tavares has 28 goals and 38 assists. He recorded an assist in the Islanders’ win on Friday. The Islanders have five game remaining on their schedule this upcoming week, including a four-game road trip that starts on Sunday in Buffalo. One of those games is in Carolina against a Hurricanes team they are competing with for a playoff spot.