After a huge win in Brooklyn last night, it now seems like the New York Islanders are back in business. Hitting a nasty slump at the wrong time, the Isles were continuing to hit the snooze button on this 2015-2016 season. But after topping the Senators 3-1 last night, now things are headed back in the right direction.
Last night the team got just what they needed and they were able to break a four game losing streak. After a sloppy start, they picked up their intensity and had a three goal second period. This was enough to keep Ottawa at bay and get the Isles a much needed win. Brock Nelson, John Tavares and Matt Martin all came up with clutch goals to help push the offense. Also, goalie Jean-Francois Berube saved 22 out of 23 shots on goal, helping the Isles get the much needed stops that were essential to the victory.
The rest of the week will not be easy for this Islander team. On Friday night they face off with the Lightning in Tampa and then they play the Hurricanes in Carolina on Saturday. Both of these match-ups are opportunities for this team to get some essential points in the playoff race which is very competitive in the Eastern Conference right now. The Isles have to use the win from last night and capitalize on the momentum that could be headed their way.
If the playoffs started today, the Isles would hold the sixth seed and they would be matched up against the Lightning team that they play on Friday night. It is crucial that this team does not settle with what they have and they try and make a real surge in the standings. They might be able to get a higher seed than the sixth seed that they hold at this moment.
Only time will tell if this team has what it takes to make a push for the cup. Right now, it’s just a matter of actually getting into the playoffs and when you look at the big picture, the Isles should definitely be playing postseason hockey. However, if they cannot find ways to avoid these nasty pitfalls, then the Isles could be on the outside looking in when the Stanley Cup Playoffs arrive.
