Which team will the New York Islanders face in the NHL playoffs?

The New York Islanders (42-31-9) are the 16th team to have qualified for the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. They became the second team to book their berth from the East Wild Card.

After battling it out for 82 games, the Islanders will feature in the playoffs once again.

The New York Islanders came out on top on Wednesday after defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-2. They not only clinched a playoff berth but also ended the Pittsburgh Penguins' hopes of making it to the playoffs. This will be the first time since 2006 that the Penguins will not feature in the postseason. Their longest playoff streak (16) also came to an end in the process.

Now that a playoff spot has been locked in, the next question on Islanders fans' minds is who they will face in the first round. The New York Islanders will take on either the Boston Bruins or the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs depending on how other results unfold.

The New York Islanders have made the playoffs 28 times

The Islanders have won the coveted Stanley Cup four times before. They will have a shot at a fifth title in their 28th appearance in the playoffs.

New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert thanked the fans for their support throughout the season and said he hoped for more in the playoffs.

“I thought the fans were great tonight. We feed off that. The last couple of minutes were certainly amazing. We look forward to them being louder in the playoffs.”

Hudson Fasching, who contributed a goal in the Islanders' 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, also thanked each and every fan who cheered for the team.

“The energy in there tonight was insane and it's going to be impressive for playoffs. It was pretty crazy out there tonight and the energy was awesome. To be at home and to have the playoff clinching game for the last game of the season, it's pretty nuts.”