Brock Nelson may have snapped a 17-game goal drought with back-to-back games on the scoresheet, but it's unlikely that will change his fate on the New York Islanders. The Islanders' relentless need to stay in the playoff mix without rebuilding from scratch to build a true Stanley Cup contender is finally catching up with them this season,

The Islanders certainly aren't out of the playoff race as they are five points back of the second wild card spot occupied by the Columbus Blue Jackets yet you want to get ahead of the curve if you don't think the team will be successful.

Game Preview, 1/11: Utah Hockey Club vs. New York Islanders WHEN: 7:00 p.m. MT WHERE: Delta Center - Salt Lake City, Utah TV: SEG+, UtahHC+, Utah 16 | RADIO: KSL News Radio 1160 AM, NHL App

Finding success at home has turned into a persistent struggle for the Utah Hockey Club. Utah beat San Jose for its lone win in the first four games of a January home stand and has lost to Florida, Montreal and the New York Islanders.

Heading into a Thursday night matchup, the New York Rangers are in a similar boat as the Utah Hockey Club: on the outside of the playoffs, looking in, hoping there’s still a chance for them. Both teams have 43 points.