New York Islanders 2018-19 Playoff Primer vs. Hurricanes

Our New York Islanders will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina is coming off a double O.T., game 7 win against the defending Cup Champion Capitals last night. New York will have home-ice advantage against their wildcard opponent and look to take another step towards the Cup finals.

Friday, April 26   7:00 p.m. Barclays Center (NBCSN)

Sunday, April 28   3:00 p.m. Barclays Center (NBC)

Wednesday, May 1   7:00 p.m. PNC Arena (NBCSN)

Friday, May 3   7:00 p.m. PNC Arena (NBCSN)

* Sunday, May 5   TBD Barclays Center

* Tues.   May 7   TBD PNC Arena

* Wed.   May 8   TBD Barclays Center

Post-game coverage on MSG Networks

(All games listed in EST)

Per NHL.com, "I know they're sitting there probably licking their chops; we all would be the way this series went, seven games, overtime, the grind that this series was ...," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "I haven't had time to think about it. I know they're a great team and that's why they're playing, and they had a pretty easy round. They know how to win, and they know how to do it right."

The Isles will be off for 10 days by the time the puck drops tomorrow night at the Barclays Center. Ten days they used to heal (Clutterbuck & Mayfield) and refocus from a storybook first-round sweep against the Penguins. Barry Trotz admitted he didn’t have much of a late book on Carolina, but with the layoff, the staff should have had ample time to dissect their playoff performance against Washington and probably has a much better idea of how to match up then they did at the end of their round one series. Let’s hope they are ready to hit the ice flying in game one and start the series off the right way, rust free.

"We've tried to do our best to stay in game shape and game situations in practice," New York forward Jordan Eberle said. "I know it's tough, especially when you watch all this hockey being played. But at the end of the day, it should be an advantage. We'll be rested and ready to go."

It’s no secret the Isles were good at home and on the road last season. And at home, they were very even when Playing at both the Coliseum and Barclays Center this season. While they were 12-7-2 at the NVMC, they went 12-6-2 in Brooklyn are 78-48-18 overall at the Barclays Center. The Low roof and passionate crowd should spell another intimidating atmosphere for the opposition. The Isles were 3-1-0 against the Hurricanes last season (even winning 7 of last 10) despite being outshot 112-59. They will need more of the same from their #1 ranked defense and relentless checking game if they want to nullify the speedy and feisty Canes. They will need to pressure the Canes in all 3 zones, dictate play and overcome their aggressive checking game.

The 4th line of Clutterbuck-Cizikas-Martin and Pulock-Pelech line need to factor into the end-game results and Robin Lehner 4-0-0 with his layoff leading 1.47 GAA & .956Sv% will need to carry the anchor again. Lehner stopped 130 of 136 shots and played a calm, cool series for the Isles against Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that Thomas Greiss figured prominently (3-1-0) in the Isles recent success against Carolina and should do the same if called upon. Both goaltenders have been good and the intensity in the postseason should only enhance that. The defense will be the story. If New York can maintain their defensive play, they should control the game and force Carolina to take chances while staying out of the box.

The Power Play needs to improve (2/13 at 15.4%) and their FOW percentage (51.7%) needs to continue. The Hurricanes are similar in both categories with a 3/25 (12%) PP and 51.1% FOW percentage. The Isles PK remains stable at 90.9% while Carolina ranks near the bottom at 75%. Amongst active playoff teams, only SJ is worse with a 72.4% FOW. Jordan Eberle, Matt Barzal, Josh Bailey, Valtteri Filppula, and Brock Nelson have a chance to lead the team again offensively along with speedy defender, Devon Toews, especially on the man advantage. Thomas Hickey should be replacing the minutes formerly taken by the injured (out 3-4 weeks) veteran, Johnny Boychuk. Hickey is used to playing a significant role in big games for the Isles.

The Carolina Hurricanes are motivated, relentless and resilient. Sound familiar? The New York Islanders will need to contain opposing players like Jaccob Slavin (9pts and 3 assists in game 7 vs Caps), Warren Foegele (4 goals, 6 pts), Jordan Staal (6pts), Dougie Hamilton (6pts), Sebastian Aho (5 pts) and Brock McGinn (5pts) who scored the game 7, 2nd O.T. winning goal. New York will also need to breach a much-improved Carolina defense game and create traffic in front of Mrazek. Goaltender, Petr Mrazek has gotten hot at the right time along with his squad. Mrazek had a 2.54 GAA and an .899Sv% with 1 shut out for Carolina in the postseason. He is an athletic goaltender but is susceptible to shots going to the glove side, especially if traffic. The leadership of Justin Williams can’t be discounted. His 3 Cup wins (‘06-CAR and ’12 & ’14 LAK) give him some keen on-ice and in the room insight for his team. 

Don’t forget the motivation of former Islander 2010 5th overall selection, F, Nino Niederreiter or Isles 2009 12th overall selection, D, Calvin de Haan to stick it to their former team. While de Haan was well received back in New York for leaving as a free agent, Niederreiter was traded away for Cal Clutterbuck (and NJ’s 3rd rounder – Eamon McAdam) in 2013 after controversial rumors about wanting to be traded and taking exception to management's lack of urgency to put him in the Isles lineup.

That was then, and this is now. The Isles have a team that plays for each other and plays in a system that relies on each man holding themselves and others accountable. I’ll take those odds any day. It should be another exciting series. I’m sure everyone is ready to go.

"Trust me, we're fresh," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. "We'll get the rust off. It may take a little bit, but we haven't had game action for a bit. That will come. That's not an issue. We're going to be enthused."

#Isles Notes

Per @Demerti_S42, “John Tavares met with 5 teams last summer as a free agent. 4 of those teams (NYI, BOS, SJ, DAL) are still playing hockey. The one he chose is not.”

Per Eric Hornick, “#JT91 goes 2-3-5 (including an ENG) and -4 in #Leafs playoff “run”, which ran out before the Isles lost a playoff game.”

Per Rob Taub, “#Isles legend Bob Nystrom on WFAN: "I think that the fans are so charged up that they're going to bring that energy to Barclays Center. I expect them to be just as loud as they were at the Coliseum."

Per @TwoTurtleDuffs, “@RobinLehner has been dominant on the ice this season, but his biggest impact has come away from hockey. Lehner's openness about his struggles with addiction and mental health has inspired countless fans. Here are some stories of the lives he's touched.”   

Sweeping Pittsburgh: KoC New York Islanders 2018-19 Round One Recap vs. Penguins

Behind Barry Trotz and his staff, our New York Islanders eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 4-game sweep with a 3-1 victory at PPG Paints Arena 6 days ago. It's the Isles first sweep since 1983 and their 7th best-of-7 sweep in franchise history. It’s also the first time the modern-age Pens have been swept since 2013. The Isles came back three times after giving up the opening goal and countered, despite being outshot 136 to 129 in the series.

New York outscored the Penguins by a 14-6 margin over four games (Game 1 in O.T.) as they frustrated them and kept them playing from behind from almost the entire series. Pittsburgh managed to maintain a lead in only 4 minutes and 51 seconds of the entire series. Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin helped the stingy Isles keep top scorers, Evgeni Malkin to 3 points, Sidney Crosby (1 assist) and Jake Guentzel (1 goal) and a combined -7 rating over the four games. Pens netminder and 2-time Stanley Cup winner, Matt Murray had a .306 GAA and a .906Sv% in the series.

Isles Jordan Eberle (4 & 2 with a game-winner) had a career playoff run and led the Islanders in points with 6 and a +6 rating. Per Eric Hornick, “Eberle is the first Islander to open a playoff run by scoring in four straight games since Ray Ferraro (1993 vs. Washington) and also joins Ferraro as the only players in Isles history to score in their first four playoff games with the team.” Matt Barzal was 2nd on the team in scoring, contributing five assists with a +6 rating and made some plays for New York. Forward and former Penguin, Tom Kuhnhackl deserves mention for bringing 2-time Cup winning experience and tenacity during the series, even with limited action during the regular season. Per NHL.com, “It's great that we won the first round and everything, but there's plenty more to come of where we want to go," Kuhnhackl said. "If you sleep [during] the first period or the first game if you're not ready from the get-go, it's always hard to get back in it. That's why we've got to get ready for the [next round]." Eberle was my runner-up for round one's Grail Knight of the series. Winner revealed below.

Josh Bailey (3 & 1 with a game-winner) and Valtteri Filppula (4 assists) had great playoff performances for the Isles. Brock Nelson scored three goals (2 game winners) and was amongst the team leaders (3rd with a 44.6% percentage behind Barzal, 55.5% and Lee, 54.5%) in the faceoff circle. A considerable deficit for New York entering the playoffs, while Isles defenseman, Devon Toews (2 PPP and a +2 rating) continued his active play into the postseason along with other surgical blue line performances from Adam Pelech (2 assists) Nick Leddy (1 goal) and Ryan Pulock (1 assist) and +3 ratings.

S

Per Eric Hornick, “Robin Lehner made 32 saves; he stopped 130 of 136 Pittsburgh shots in the series as he became the first NHL goalie since Michael Leighton (2010 with Philadelphia) to win his first four career playoff starts. Only 12 other goalies in NHL history have done so.” Robin Lehner was the MVP among MVPs for New York. He guarded the Isles net behind a relentless checking game and dogged defense. He gave up just six goals in 4 games while posting a stingy 1.47 GAA and a .956Sv%. While providing a reliable backstopping performance, the resurgent Lehner always gave credit to the Isles organization as a whole and the fans that have supported him and his squad all season long. Lehner heralded his teammates, coaches, and even loyal fans after each win in his own humble and genuine way.

When I said, “Lehner should be a serious consideration for the Vezina along with his Masterton considerations. He’s certainly overcome every other challenge presented in the darkest year of his life this season,” I had no idea Robin Lehner would indeed receive the nominations for those prestigious trophies. Per Cory Wright, “I'm honored. It's something I believed in going into the season, but a year ago I didn't,’ Lehner said. ‘There's so many that deserve credit. It starts with [my] teammates and the organization. A lot of credit goes to [Director of Goaltending] Mitch Korn and [Goaltending Coach] Piero Greco too for helping me adjust some things in my game. It's been a lot of hard work. It's truly an honor." Robin Lehner was 25-13-0-5 with a .930Sv% and a 2.13 GAA during the regular season. Lehner established a career high in shutouts with 6 and wins. Performances by Lehner (25) and Greiss (23) in 2018-19 are the only other Islanders goalkeeper tandem other than Resch (26) Smith (25) in 1978-79 to have 23 wins in a season.

During a post-nomination interview, Lehner recalled how 8 or 9 teams were interested in him during free agency last summer, but also spoke of how that number dropped to two when he disclosed his time in rehab, news of his struggles with addition and a bipolar diagnosis.

On his Masterton nomination, Lehner told Wright, "It's for people out there having a bad day that don't see any light at the end of the tunnel, that don't really want to take up tomorrow or whatever the case may be," Lehner said. "You just need to get a plan, you have to help yourself first and get the right help and when you get that you can start your journey towards whatever you want in life. You can't do it in reverse, you have to take care of your recover first or it's not going to work. If you can do that, what's good about this is it shows it can be done with the right people."

Aside from helping his Islanders continue to fight for a Stanley Cup win, Lehner wants to help end the stigma around mental health. His recent hashtag caught my attention — # SickNotWeak. Wow, I thought What a great way to keep yourself accountable, work towards bettering your life and not offering an excuse for your life. Lehner truly is a role model to so many people out there who feel alone and without hope. Here’s to hoping they can all see how hard he’s fought to restore himself, his family and his pro hockey career. Not just as a participant, but as a man, a father and husband, and a teammate. Not just 1 of only 60 men to hold a place on a pro hockey roster as an NHL goaltender, but as a legitimate, elite goaltender on a surging playoff team.

Both team leader, Cal Clutterbuck and physical D-Man, Scott Mayfield (1 point) have been using the layoff to heal up and have resumed practice with the team. Unfortunately, Johnny Boychuk (2 points) is slated to be out 3-4 weeks with a lower-body injury. Per Brian Compton, “Coach Barry Trotz said he was pleased with how the Islanders practiced "with a little bit more of a pop" and did not seem too concerned about the long layoff. In fact, he's hoping the Capitals and Hurricanes go the distance.”

The Islanders’ 2nd round opponent will be the winner of the Capitals-Hurricanes series. The Isles 2nd round series will open in Washington DC if it’s against the Capitals or back in Brooklyn if the Hurricanes win the series and dethrone the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

The games will be shown on NBC or NBCSN with postgame coverage on the MSG stations.

Isles Notes:

Per Eric Hornick, “Isles goalie or coach had ever won their first two playoff games; both Robin Lehner and Barry Trotz have now won their first four.”

Cory Wright on top Isles goaltending prospect, “Ilya Sorokin won the Gagarin Cup - the KHL championship - on Friday, as CSKA Moscow swept Avangard four games to none. Sorokin was also named the KHL playoff MVP in the process.

Sorokin had a marvelous playoffs, going 16-4-0 with a 1.20 GAA, a .956 SV% and five shutouts for CSKA. The Islanders' 2014 third-round pick (78th overall) recorded a pair of shutouts in the Gagarin Cup Final, the first goalie in KHL history to do so.

The Gagarin Cup and MVP honors cap another stellar season for Sorokin, who went 28-6-4 during the regular season with a 1.16 GAA, a .940 SV% and a career-high 11 shutouts.

Sorokin has one more year left on his deal with CSKA.”

New York Islanders 2018-19 Season Recap & Playoff Primer vs. Penguins

Valtteri Filppula came back from injury and scored twice while Robin Lehner notched his 6th shutout of the season with 29 saves as our New York Islanders concluded their storybook season with a defeat of the champion Capitals in D.C. The 2nd place Metro seated Isles (4th in the eastern conference and 5th in the NHL) were edged out of the division lead by the Capitals, but New York controlled their own destiny for home ice and will now open round one of the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Coliseum against Pittsburgh. It will be the first time hosting a series opener since 1988. Per Eric Hornick, “The win gives the Isles 103 points overall and 51 on the road; both totals are the most in the Post-Cup era. The franchise-record 11th shutout of the season also clinched the Jennings Trophy for the Isles, who allowed the most goals in the NHL last season and the fewest in the NHL this season … Robin Lehner raised his save percentage to .930, which breaks the franchise record previously held by Chico Resch (.928 in 1975-76). He is only the 3rd goalie in Isles history with at least six shutouts in a season (Resch -7 in 1975-76, Halak -6 in 2014-15).” The Isles scored 36 fewer goals and allowed 101 fewer goals than last season, which counted for 13 more wins on the year.

Not bad for a team picked to finish last, struggle on defense and in goal, unable to recover from the departure of Tavares. By the way, the Leafs finished with 100 points. So, while the sky is the limit and our guys are in the playoffs with the #1 defense in the NHL, fans can be happy the team is trending up despite what happens from here, out. Lamoriello did precisely what he was brought here to do. He added experienced coaching and made a few tweaks to change the player culture and work ethic. Mitch Korn helped the team from the net on out, and the ‘new’ coaches (Lambert, Gruden & Greco) helped Barry Trotz forge a methodology and an identity for the players to buy into. After that, the on-ice product flourished under Trotz’s system, and all answered the call for accountability to help earn their place in the postseason, which included a 34-15-3 run in the second half when it mattered most and boast one of the best 5 on 5 defensive units in the league. Only Boston is better.

The Islanders looked good in Brooklyn, and they looked good at the Old Barn (52pts). They were also adept on the road, collecting 51 points from their hosting teams and helping them reach the 50-50 for the first time since the 80-81 season. It was also the first time the franchise won 24 games at home and on the road in the same season. Eric Hornick has been telling us the numbers all season long. Stat wise, they clicked in most categories not called power play or faceoff win percentage. For the year, the Isles were a dismal 33 for 227 on the PP (14.5% for 29th in the NHL, MTL & NSH were worse) and 44-219 on the PK (79.9% for 18th in the league). According to Hornick, they “scored six shorthanded goals and allowed an NHL-low one shorthanded goal. [Kevin Hayes, then of the Rangers, scored shorthanded on 11/15 in a game the Isles won 7-5].” Faceoff winning percentage was at 47.4%, ranking them 29th out of 31 teams. Only the Rangers and Capitals were worse. I mentioned earlier in the home stretch, even just an average PP (around 20%) would have probably meant several more wins for the Isles.

While the team did well as a whole, several players had career years in different categories. Per Eric Hornick, Casey Cizikas established career highs in goals (20) and points (32). UFA, Brock Nelson set career highs in assists (28) and points (53). Cal Clutterbuck (15), Leo Komarov (19) and Anders Lee (23) all had career highs in assists.

UFA, Anders Lee was given the “C” and did what he's always done. He led by example and did everything he could to help his squad win. He had 28 and 33 for 51 pts with a +20, 10 PPGs, and 5 GWG in 82 PPGsgames. Mathew Barzal had a terrific year. Some have pointed out that his goal scoring was down, but others remarked how his overall game has improved. I agree. It will make him a better player for years to come as the team gets better around him. Barzal had 18 & 44 for 62 points (led team) in 82 games. Josh Bailey works hard, and it shows. He has a hard time pleasing everyone, but he managed to tally 16 & 40 for 56 pts with a +8 and 4 GWG. Brock Nelson got a last-minute deal to prove himself. Like Bailey, he has his detractors, but the guy has flashes of solid play that can change the course of a game. He had a great regular season with 25 & 28 for 53 pts and a +20 without missing a game.

Jordan Eberle was striving for another 20-goal season, but the UFA forward fell just short. Eberle was 19 & 18 for 37 pts in 78 games. He, like Lee, had 5 game-winning goals along with 7 on the struggling power play. Casey Cizikas had an incredible season and made a significant impact for New York. His 20 & 13 for 33 pts, 2 SHGs, a +22 and 3 game winners in 73 games played were only part of it. His relentless checking game and smothering play gave him as his line the most significant and most important minutes of a close game. Valtteri Filppula was an epic add for the Isles. His work on the PK and versatility at forward gave him 17 & 14 for 31 pts and a +19 in 72 games. The 4 game winners and an O.T. winner is just part of the reason this UFA needs to remain with the Islanders.

Anthony Beauvillier struggled a bit this season but earned some veteran minutes and contributed offensively. 18 & 10 for 28 pts in 81 games wasn’t the only part of it. The RFA’s 4 game winners and score on the PP showed he has some spark. Leo Komarov showed why Lamoriello signed him in free agency. Like Filppula, Komarov’s presence was worth more than his work on the stat sheet. ‘Uncle Leo’ had 26 pts (6 & 20) and a game-winner to go along with his +18 rating. Cal Clutterbuck (8 & 15 for 23 pts in 73 games) and Matt Martin (6 & 18 for 24 pts in 67 GP) helped Cizikas lock down games and irritate the elite players on opposing teams. Their ability to contribute in the big moment (2 GWG for Clutterbuck and 1 for Martin) spanned their complete on-ice play. RFA, Michael DalColle looks like he finally found his pro game. Dal Colle was doing well in Bridgeport this season and earned call-ups and looks like he fits in just fine.

UFA, Tom Kuhnhackl provided some excellent depth for the Isles forward core. He saw time in 36 games this season (9 pts) and made an impact, especially against his former team in Pittsburgh, with whom he played 47 playoff games and contributed to 3 Stanley Cup wins. He can help the Islanders, especially with some big post-season minutes. Ross Johnston (4 pts in 17 GP) and UFA, Tanner Fritz (1 pt in 4 GP before injury) were good energy players at the appropriate times. Johnston signed a 4-year contract and accepts his depth role like a pro while Fritz made another compelling argument for a look at next years camp. Andrew Ladd had 11 pts in 26 games, contributed when healthy and added some veteran presence, but suffered a season-ending injury (torn ACL) against the Coyotes on 3/24.

For the Blueliners, Scott Mayfield established career highs in goals (4), assists (15) and points (19). Adam Pelech established career highs in goals (5), and points (20) and Ryan Pulock established career highs in assists (28) and points (37).

Ryan Pulock is improving big time. At 9 & 28 for 37 pts with a +21, the big-shot D-man leads all isles defenders. Pulock also contributed 3 PPGs, and 3 GWGs on the season. Nick Leddy is happy with the isles new defensive scheme. Leddy was 4 & 22 for 26 pts (10 on the PP) and broke even in plus/minus, up from his league-worst -42 from last season. Adam Pelech is another prospect, turned pro who has helped the Islanders improve defensively. In 78 games, the physical, defensive first, Pelech was 5 & 16 for 21pts with a +22 rating. Scott Mayfield (19 pts), more of the same. Mayfield brings more of an agitator’s game and a bit of a mean streak but keeps his cool. His +18 is second only to Pelech on the team. Let’s talk about Devon Toews. A bounce back story from last year’s severe, season-ending injury, Toews took full advantage of his call up. In 48 games with the Isles, Toews contributed 5 & 13 for 18 pts with a +7, 4 PP points, 2 GWG and one in O.T.

Johnny Boychuk was 3 & 16 for 19 pts with a +10 in 74 games. Boychuk looked more comfortable this season and showed what a veteran defenseman can contribute to help the play of a younger D-Core. Thomas Hickey took the high road and played well after yielding his spot to Toews after his injury. Hickey contributed 4 pts with a shorthanded helper in 40 games with a +5. Luca Sbisa played in only 9 games (1pt) as a depth defenseman and will be a UFA after this season.

The Isles had a fantastic bounce-back year in net. Robin Lehner was 25-13-0-5 with a .930Sv% and a 2.13 GAA. Lehner established a career high in shutouts with 6 and wins. Per Eric Hornick, “Robin Lehner has played 391 minutes in his last seven appearances, allowing only nine goals, including a shutout.  He has stopped 194 of 203 shots in that span, for a 1.38 GAA and a .956 save percentage.” Lehner should be a serious consideration for the Vezina along with his Masterton considerations. He’s certainly overcome every other challenge presented in the darkest year of his life this season. Lehner will be a UFA after this season. Thomas Greiss was 23-14-0-2 with a .927Sv% and a 2.28gaa. He established a career high in shutouts with 5. “Thomas Greiss has 23 wins. He is only the fourth goalie in club history to have at least three 23-win seasons, joining Glenn Resch (5), Rick DiPietro (4), and Billy Smith (3)” – Hornick. Another great comeback story in the strong, stable play of Greiss this season. Isles have a great tandem who are sure to be tested by the rest of the playoff contenders.

Butch Goring told Newsday, “Looking ahead, Goring said the franchise under GM Lou Lamoriello and coach Barry Trotz reminds him of the period of time when the Islanders rounded into an organization that would win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83 under Bill Torrey and Al Arbour.” I guess that starts with this week’s series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I asked the voice of the Islanders dynasty, Jiggs McDonald if he had anything to say about the Isles playoff hopes. “The defense-first approach we saw all season will give the Islanders an advantage rather than have to adjust their style for the playoffs! Also - it isn’t always the best team that wins - it’s always the team that plays the best.”

The Isles and Pens split the season series (2-1-1) and have a coach that knows a thing or two about playing Pittsburgh. If the goaltenders remain solid behind a meshing blueline, they have an excellent chance to beat the Penguins. Their 22nd ranked (223 goals) offense needs to improve, especially on the PP. Scoring once in their last 12 attempts vs. their first-round opponents won’t help when facing a few of those offensive weapons boasted by the Pens 6th best (268 goals) offense. Faceoffs need to improve in both zones and penalties need to be kept at a minimum. More of the same physicality (against an injury prone Pens lineup) and shot blocking can tilt the ice in New York’s favor, and the 4th line can set the tempo for making Crosby and company a bit uncomfortable and distracted. Shut down the top line and I think you challenge them to go to the depth they don’t really have anymore.

Our guys don’t match the Pens in playoff experience, and they need to do a much better job of maintaining possession of the puck in both zones for obvious reasons. Takeaways and odd-man breaks will play a role in this series as will traffic in front of the net. The Isles need to stick to playing their system and not get suckered into a Pittsburgh shootout. Murray is it for the Penguins. He is playing well in net now, but he’s had a season of injury and sub-par performances at times. The pens are an older team and might be ready for deletion from a younger, gritty and hungrier squad. No one picked the Isles to do anything coming into the season, and most are going against them in the playoffs. They can use this like they did the previous lack of ‘confidence’ to play hard as a team and make the opposition win a best on 7 series at the Coliseum.

Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins at Islanders

Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins at Islanders

Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m.: Islanders at Penguins

Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.: Islanders at Penguins

*Thursday, April 18, TBD: Penguins at Islanders

*Saturday, April 20, TBD: Islanders at Penguins

*Monday, April 22, TBD: Penguins at Islanders

(All games listed in EST)

Our passionate fan base can help be the 7th man. Jeering the guys for underachieving, especially on the PP could bite us in the ass. If the Pens are turning a game, Isles fans can do what they do best. Cheer their team like no one else in the NHL.

The Islanders 103 points are the most in a season since their 104 in 83-84. That was the last time they found themselves in a Stanley Cup Final. 

Let’s do our thing and see where it can take us.

#Secure Another Stripe.