That noise you heard last night was not the blaring beeps of a garbage truck, it was the sound of the New York Islanders backing into the playoffs. BEEP…BEEP…BEEP… With a little help from the Florida Panthers, the Isles have finally reserved their seat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the Isles seed is still in question it is a relief that New York has a spot locked up. Yes, in typical Islander fashion, this wasn’t easy. Nothing is with this team. There were sleepless nights, yelling, screaming and perhaps some tears but this team is finally in the dance.
With two games left, the Islanders still have time to get some momentum heading into next week’s playoffs. Tonight they have the chance to derail the Penguins’ playoff hopes as they are in Pittsburgh to take on a team in a tailspin. Think about how painful the past few weeks have been for Islander fans, now triple it because the Pens have been downright awful. The Pens are 3-7-2 in their last 12 games and blew a 3-o lead to the red hot Senators Tuesday night.
While the Islanders will downplay the importance of the next two games, second place in the Metro Division is still within reach. The Islander coaching staff will tell you that home ice is not the end all be all and I know that home ice is only as good as your starting goalie. With that being said we all know the clear advantage the Isles will have playing in front their rabid fan base.
This is why I would not be resting anyone tonight. If the Isles are locked into a seed come 7pm tomorrow night, then that is a different story, but with home ice still within reach this team needs everyone on board tonight.
It will be interesting to see Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano’s lineup for tonight. We are still awaiting word on some of the banged up forwards such as Matt Martin and Frans Nielsen. If they are healthy, they should be playing. It will also be interesting to see if exiled defenseman Calvin de Haan will be allowed out of Capuano’s doghouse and finally see some ice time.
I will try and update this later in the day when lines and pairings are announced. At least until puck drops tonight, let’s enjoy a spot in the playoffs. This team has had an amazing year, despite its play in the past month and a half. We should be happy that the Isles are in but nobody should be satisfied with just going to the dance. It is time for this organization to take the next step and win a round. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.