The 2024 NHL playoffs begin with the Islanders and Hurricanes meeting again for a first-round series in Raleigh. Same teams, but many differences from last year — a different coach for the Islanders, obviously, but also this year they should have a healthy Mat Barzal rather than the one just returning from injury last season. However Noah Dobson, who’s had a breakout year, is in that position Barzal had last year, entering the lineup fresh off an injury, and perhaps not 100%. J-G Pageau, who’s...
What a roller coaster the Islanders have taken us on, with six-game win streaks, six-game winless streaks, culminating in a 7-0-1 surge to earn a proper playoff spot (not just a wild card spot) with a win in game #81. With every other Eastern playoff-dreamer also winning last night, the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils was particularly satisfying — moreso because the outcome was pretty well assured while the Capitals, Penguins and Red Wings (who came back, tied it late, and won in...
With one game to spare, the Islanders can land where we thought they could never be just a few weeks ago: on the path to a short first-round elimination by the Hurricanes. (Or, if things break differently elsewhere, a nail-biting meeting with the Rangers.) Win tonight in Newark and they’re in. Lose in extra time and they still might be in. Lose in regulation and have things break poorly elsewhere, then Wednesday vs. the Penguins suddenly gets very uncomfortable. Of course, the Isles have yet to...