The upcoming stretch of games for the New York Islanders will likely define their season.

A year that was supposed to be a rebuilding season could end up being a magical one if the Islanders continue their hot run of form.

The Islanders currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division, three points clear of the second place Washington Capitals with a game in hand. Plenty will be learned about this team over the coming days.

The team’s status as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender could be validated by mid-February.

Friday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lighting, the top team in the Atlantic Division and leaders of the Eastern Conference by a wide margin, will be telling. So, too, will games against the Boston Bruins (Feb. 2, fourth place in the Atlantic Division) and then the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 9, a likely playoff team in the Western Conference. Mixed into this slate of games are the Kings as well as the rival New Jersey Devils.

It’s a slate of five games that will test the Islanders. They play some of the best teams in the NHL as well as two teams who won’t make things easy for them. Pass this early second-half test and things could get very interesting come April and May.

No one expected the Islanders to be in this position, not in a year when they bid adieu to former captain John Tavares. Yet the Isles have managed to surpass anyone’s wildest expectations without Tavares. From All-Star Mat Barzal to recent call-up, Devon Toews, the Islanders have embodied the definition of “team” from the Opening Night onwards.

See why the Isles' center is headed to the All-Star Game with some of his best plays from the first half of the season.

Much of the credit must go in direction of Barry Trotz. In his first year with the team after winning the Stanley Cup a year ago in Washington, the Isles’ coach has this team playing well and with one mind. They have churned out results behind a stingy defense and remarkable goaltending from Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss. They are the best team in the league in goals per game, surrendering just 2.41 per contest. General manager Lou Lamoriello must also be given credit for the turnaround, providing Trotz the pieces necessary in order to compete in one of the most competitive divisions in the NHL. Trotz is a frontrunner for the Jack Adams Award and for good reason.

SI.com predicted the Islanders to finish bottom of the division and few prognosticators had them challenging for a playoff spot. But here it is, almost February, and the Islanders are one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Will they be able to hold on to their lofty position?

We shall soon find out.

[Watch the Isles Take On the Lightning Friday at 6:30 PM on MSG+ & MSG GO. Get the App Now]