Nothing will be easy for the Islanders from here on out

TORONTO — It’s been over three months since the Islanders were out of a playoff spot, allowing for the illusion of security.This Islanders team is, plainly, much better than the last two that made the playoffs and which took until Games 81 and 82 to secure passage into the tournament, respectively, before bowing out quietly in the first round.Nevertheless, it may take this year’s outfit just as much time to clinch a spot.As they flew north to start a three-game road trip with stops in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on Monday, the Islanders were mired in a five-team race for four spots — two in the Metropolitan Division and both wild-card spots — with the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Bruins and Red Wings.With 81 points, the Islanders were one spot below the Penguins, who started the day with just as many points before playing the Avalanche, but guaranteed to stay ahead even with a loss, as they have four more regulation wins.

Columbus was two points back and out of a spot; the Bruins and Red Wings were both on 80 points and occupying the two wild-card spots.Montreal, it’s worth noting, could easily fall into this race as well; currently, the Canadiens are in third in the Atlantic Division, but just two points ahead of Boston and Detroit.The most important teams for the Islanders to watch are the Penguins and Blue Jackets, as whoever finishes first of those three will have home-ice advantage in the first round.

In that respect, the Islanders do have a schedule advantage.Pittsburgh — which has been without the injured Sidney Crosby since the Olympic break, though he is on the Penguins’ current road trip and could return soon — has the hardest remaining strength of schedule out of any team in the league.The Blue Jackets have the third toughest and, just for good measure, the Bruins are in between them.It’s not all good news though.

The Islanders are right behind that trio with a .595 remaining strength of schedule.The Red Wings, at .575, have by far the ...