Ten games, eleven points - that's all that's separating the New York Islanders from reaching their first playoff birth in three seasons. But, let's not forget that they're not supposed to even be where they are - by all accounts right?

Don't tell that to Barry Trotz and company though, as the coach and his staff have their team playing sound defensive hockey.

Episode 28 features the return of one of my favorite guests in Arthur Staple now of The Athletic New York. We talk about a variety of topics, from the showing signs of life power play, to line combinations, coaching strength and experience down to what to expect down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Arthur and I also talk about the fantastic goaltending performances of both Thomas Greiss (the NHL's first star this week) and Robin Lehner.

If you missed it, Arthur had a fantastic article yesterday in The Athletic talking about Mat Barzal and how he is coming into his own as a player - forgoing the personal accolades for the sake of winning. We happen to talk about some of this as well, including Barzal's slight struggles in his sophomore season.

If that's not enough, we go into detail on the line combinations and what the team needs to do come playoff time to make the most of their opportunity.

To keep up with tradition for Art, he gives us his self admitted horrible take on where the Islanders will finish and who they are likely to face - so I hope you guys enjoy it.

The show will be on hiatus however, for a week as I will be headed down to sunny Florida for a few days. I'll be active on Twitter as always so please head there to join the conversation.

Follow me on Twitter: @islesblogger and @faithfulisles - but don't forget to follow Art, too @stapeathletic

Catch up with you all next week!