from Ethan Sears of the New York Post,
The Islanders have mastered the ability to turn a game on its head when it matters most: the third period.
In those final 20 minutes, they will scratch and claw and exhaust the opposition.
That is where they have thrived, outscoring opponents 17-1 in their last 10 third periods, a stretch in which the season itself has gone from a near write-off to a joyride that looks playoff-bound.
Believe Casey Cizikas when he says the Islanders are not out of it until the final buzzer.
Believe Anders Lee when he talks about the Islanders’ self-belief, even after their abysmal first two periods such as they played Thursday at Pittsburgh.
Believe in the Islanders, who have parlayed their last 10 third periods into a 7-2-1 stretch, bringing their playoff odds north of 50 percent despite injuries to Mathew Barzal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau that have stretched their depth to its limit.
“We stick with our game,” Lee said following the 4-3 overtime win over the Penguins on Thursday. “We play the way that we have been and we did the last 20. We can rely on our forecheck, our guys can make plays, we can score goals. Down 3-1, not going to happen every night, but we believe in ourselves.”
What a difference a month makes? I could not give away Isles tix a month ago. I have had 3 people call me looking for tickets to tonight's game vs. the Caps. The team is hitting its stride. Bo Horvat has been a big influence. I saw a stat on the last broadcast that the 6 or 7 games Bo and Barzy were on the PP together - it was running at a 35% conversion rate. Before and after - more like 15%. The PK is 8th overall in NHL and PP is 28th overall. They have been awesome in the 3rd period much of the year and their schedule rest of the way is not so bad. EVERY TEAM HAS INJURIES - but they have had key players miss a bunch of games this year and still are in playoff position. They have played very well without Barzal and Pageau (2 centers) and Adam Pelech is finally in his groove after his concussion.
I have no clue if they will be a one and done team or make some noise team in the playoffs....but they are a playoff tested team. They have veteran players who know how to win. Clutterbuck and Pageau may return soon. Who do you sit? Hudson Fasching has been very effective. Simon Holmstrom has played well. But I think they will be a tough out in the playoffs. I hope - if Isles make it - they play Boston in Round 1. That is a better matchup for us. PIT could overtake us for that 7 slot and play (I think) vs. Carolina. If you are going to beat Boston this year - better do it early.
Washington is no pushover. I am bullish on Ottawa for sure, they are going to be a helluva team. Not sure about the Panthers (just have not seen one of their games in a long time - so - can't comment) no weak teams - even PHILA can be difficult with Torts on the bench.
But the secret sauce is Sorokin. He has won an NHL playoff series vs. PIT before and won titles in the KHL. There is reason to be both upbeat and cautious. No one is going to hand anyone a playoff spot - they still have to go out and earn it.
Always a great read, Kas.
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