NHL scores 2017: Missed opportunities have left the Eastern Conference wild card wide open

It’s next to impossible to predict which NHL teams will make the playoffs this year. Teams like the Blue Jackets and Oilers have thrown a wrench into the postseason race, and the Flyers and Maple Leafs are just two of the teams paying the price.

For Philadelphia, the goaltending is the story. Neither Steve Mason or Michal Neuvirth, who started on Monday against the Blues in a 2-0 loss, have been their best selves this year. Neuvirth allowed two goals on 16 shots in their third loss in four games in a season that’s been on the whole a disappointing one for the Flyers.

Toronto, on the other hand, has been inept at holding a lead. Advantages of 2-1, 4-2, and 5-4 evaporated against the Islanders just two days after blowing a 4-1 lead to the Bruins. Part of that most definitely falls on their young core, who are a double-edged sword because boy have they done some real work for the Maple Leafs this year.

These mistakes are holding the door open for teams like the Islanders, who are now three points back of a wild card spot, and the Panthers. In fact, no one in the Eastern Conference is out of the race either, with seven points separating the last-place Sabres from the Flyers.

So yes, predictions are useless. It’s anyone’s race, and it’s all because the Flyers and Maple Leafs are throwing away points.

Islanders 6, Maple Leafs 5 (OT)
Devils 2, Sabres 1
Blues 2, Flyers 0

1. Pavel Zacha is heating up

After underperforming for the first half of the season, the Devils’ young forward is starting to get red hot. Coming into Monday, the 19-year-old had three points in his last four games, a quarter of his point total for the season. Against the Sabres, Zacha added the game-winner for New Jersey in the final eight minutes of the game to push them into the playoff conversation.

2. The Islanders may or may not be good again

Apparently all New York needed was a coaching change and the Islanders are right back in the thick of it. With the 6-5 overtime victory, the Islanders have won six of their last nine since Jack Capuano was fired. Andrew Ladd is finally starting to make his presence felt, as he added the tying goal in the final two minutes to send the game to overtime.

Even so, it’s hard to tell if the Islanders are riding the honeymoon period with new coach Doug Weight or they’re good again. They have allowed four or more goals in their last three games, so it’s a tossup.

3. Carter Hutton is lobbying for the Blues’ starting job

Hutton blanked the Flyers on 26 shots, throwing his hat in the ring for the honor of the Blues’ starting goaltender. To be fair, neither he nor Jake Allen have been very good this year, but the shutout is a good conversation starter for Hutton. The pair have been just another goaltending tandem to have shortcomings this season, but head coach Mike Yeo might ride the hot hand and see where Hutton leads them.

The Islanders won in overtime thanks to Brock Nelson’s second goal of the game. The one exciting game on a slow evening.

Yeah, the Maple Leafs’ rookies are something else.