By trading only Brock Nelson this week, general manager Lou Lamoriello committed to the challenge of trying to retool the New York Islanders while keeping them in contention.

The Islanders are up on the season series 1-0-0 after a 4-1 win over the Sharks on Jan. 18, which kicked off a season-long, seven-game winning streak for the Isles. New York 5-0-4 in its last nine games against the Sharks, including 2-0-2 on the road.

Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New York Islanders is congratulated by his ... [+] teammates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the seco

The New York Islanders secured a 4-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. The game featured a humorous attempt by fans to bribe referees, adding a comedic element. Islanders' goals contributed to their pursuit of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot.

The Islanders are seven points from a playoff spot. They are four points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With 25 games to go and an increasing number of points and teams to overcome, that is all the discussion one needs to have.

There haven’t been many Battles of New York in recent memory with playoff implications like the last two games between the Rangers and Islanders.

The Rangers and Islanders are both chasing the wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference. They meet Monday with a chance to gain ground.

New York Islanders (29-26-7, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Anaheim Ducks (27-28-7, in the Pacific Division)