Gabriel Landeskog is poised for a return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup, potentially for Game 1 after a lengthy recovery since June 2022. Coach Jared Bednar highlighted the excitement surrounding his possible inclusion to bolster the team in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid's status for the Edmonton Oilers remains uncertain, as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury. McDavid is optimistic about returning alongside other injured teammates for crucial playoff games. Injuries also plague other teams, with significant absences evidenced, such as Mattias Ekholm for the Oilers and Alexander Romanov for the New York Islanders, who missed a recent game due to illness. The NHL landscape is further shaken by Logan Couture's announcement of retirement due to health concerns after battling injuries this season.

The New York Islanders faced a heartbreaking defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets, losing 4-3 in a shootout after a controversial no-goal call. Kyle Palmieri thought he scored the game-winner by redirecting a shot from Alexander Romanov, but the referees ruled it out due to goaltender interference against Elvis Merzlikins. Coach Patrick Roy expressed frustration, questioning the reliance on Toronto for reviews, while Palmieri argued that the contact was initiated in the crease and criticized the quickness of the call. This loss leaves the Islanders tied with their New York rivals, the Rangers, and just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Islanders secured a commanding 5-2 victory against the Colorado Avalanche, led by Simon Holmstrom's two goals and one assist, along with a stellar performance from goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who made 30 saves. This win marks the Islanders' fifth consecutive triumph, with notable contributions from Bo Horvat, Anders Lee, and Alexander Romanov.

Despite the loss, Colorado saw goals from Artturi Lehkonen and Jack Drury, and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves. The game was tied 1-1 until the Islanders erupted for four goals in the third period, including Horvat's game-winning goal.

Simon Holmstrom was the star of the night, scoring two goals and adding an assist to lead the New York Islanders to a convincing 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Ilya Sorokin showcased his skills in goal, making 30 saves to secure the win for New York, which has now extended its winning streak to five games.

The game was tightly contested up until the third period, where the Islanders erupted for four goals. Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal, marking his 18th of the season. Anders Lee, Alexander Romanov, and Holmstrom added to the scoreboard, while Artturi Lehkonen and Jack Drury found the net for Colorado.

The Colorado Avalanche suffered a disappointing 5-2 defeat against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, marking their fourth loss in five games and leaving them with a precarious position as they battle for playoff contention. Despite a dominant performance for much of the game, Colorado faltered in the third period, allowing New York to capitalize on key mistakes.

Coach Jared Bednar expressed the urgency for his team to improve, stating, "Zero. No time. It’s go time now." The Avalanche currently hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference, but they are only six points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks, who have three games in hand.