Five NHL teams that are out of the playoffs now but will make the postseason

But what about teams outside the playoff picture now? Here are five that should insert themselves into the playoff picture over the coming weeks. (All records and statistics are through Sunday's play.)

Edmonton Oilers (11-10-5)

It’s been a bit of a mess so far in Edmonton, with goaltending and coaching taking a lot of heat through 26 games. However, this has happened before, with the Oilers starting slowly and eventually finding their groove and making the playoffs with ease. As long as center Connor McDavid (36 points in 26 games) and forward Leon Draisaitl (31 points in 26 games) are healthy and producing, the Oilers will make the postseason. 

Ottawa Senators (12-9-4)

A slow start by the Senators and an injury to captain and winger Brady Tkachuk (four points in five games) have hampered Ottawa. While that could have led to the Senators falling out of contention before things really even started, they’ve instead shown resilience and are just one point out of a playoff spot. GM Steve Staios reportedly will be active on the trade market, so expect to hear a lot from this team down the stretch.

Florida Panthers (12-11-1)

The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions surprisingly are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But the Panthers are heating up, so it's only a matter of time before they’re back at the top of the Atlantic Division. The impending return of superstar winger Matthew Tkachuk, who has not played yet while recovering from a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle, should put Florida in position for a repeat. 

New York Islanders (13-10-3)

If there was a team you can never count out when hovering around the playoff picture, it’s the Islanders. This group always seems to find a way to squeeze into the mix. Eighteen-year-old rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer (19 points in his first 26 NHL games) has given them a needed element of youth and skill. Then factor in that Ilya Sorokin is capable of much better than his 2.67 goals-against average and .900 save percentage, and New York has the upside for more than just a wild-card spot. 

Winnipeg Jets (13-11-0)

Last year’s Presidents' Trophy winner has been free-falling lately, going 4-6-0 in their past 10 games to fall out of the playoff picture. That can be attributed to the absence of superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who was 8-6-0 and had Winnipeg in a playoff spot before his injury. If the Jets play .500 or better over the next month without their MVP, they should be able to take off when he returns and make the postseason for the eighth time in nine seasons.