Considering the Islanders have only won back-to-back games once since December, it’s kind of surprising that Saturday’s win could put them one step closer to making the playoffs.
But even though the Capitals and Devils are tied for fourth place in the Metropolitan with the Isles, they are five points behind the Lightning with two games remaining, meaning a win over Tampa on Saturday at UBS means This means that it will have a big impact on the home team’s playoff performance. Likelihood of survival.
Of course, to actually leapfrog the Lightning in the standings, they need to win not just Saturday, but the two games the Islanders have on hand, but that’s easier said than done.
But that doesn’t diminish the importance of beating Tampa for the second time in just over two weeks.
“Hope and belief is in this room. We have it,” captain Anders Lee said after a 4-0 loss to the Blues on Thursday night. “Right now it’s just not showing up. We’re making it a little bit difficult for ourselves, so we’re not getting the wins we need.
“We’re going to continue on the path we’ve been on, continue to work hard and be diligent, continue to play the game the right way and start cutting down on some of these mistakes that are really hurting us and helping us We intend to move forward together.”
Again, that’s easier said than done, as the Islanders have proven time and time again this season.
But it’s by no means out of the realm of possibility for this group, which allowed a franchise-record three goals in 32 seconds on Thursday and added another game to its baffling losing record.
“We need to even the keel,” coach Patrick Roy said. “Unfortunately, teams that play in the playoffs can lose a big game in overtime, Game 5 of the playoffs, so they have to prepare for Game 6.” So that’s the same thing. That’s true. ”
“We need to get ready for the next game and it’s an important game against Tampa Bay so there’s a sense of urgency to win.”
The Islanders sent Hudson Fassing and Samuel Bolduc to AHL Bridgeport for conditioning stints.
Fassing is on long-term injured reserve and does not need to go through waivers.
Bolduc, who has been a healthy scratch for seven straight games, had to agree to a conditional loan to avoid being placed on waivers.
