The Islanders have been up front about looking at the standings since Doug Weight became interim head coach in January and the leadership corps said everyone knows what's at stake and is focused.
"It's all around you, it's all that gets talked about," alternate captain Cal Clutterbuck said. "Everyone is well aware of where we're at and where we need to be."
Of the Islanders' remaining 11 games, six are against teams currently in the postseason. The toughest stretch appears to be the next three games, as the Islanders play the Rangers, Penguins and Bruins - all teams currently in the postseason - in a span of four nights. The Rangers and Penguins games are on the road, and while the Bruins game is at home, the Islanders will be playing the second half of a back-to-back.
"We realize it's a huge week and we're excited about the challenge," Weight told reporters Tuesday. "I feel really good talking to some players and our leaders and some young guys. I feel really good about our team. We had a couple really good practices, we got our energy and we're focused and have to go make hay on the ice."
The Maple Leafs play five playoff-bound teams in their final 11 games, including Washington, Pittsburgh and a pair of games against Columbus. The Lightning play six playoff-bound teams before the end of the season, including a key game against the Maple Leafs on April 6.