If you are a native Long Islander, then you use the word “on” to express where you are. For example, you are “On Long Island,” not “In Long Island”

*on* Long Island. https://t.co/NI978zdml7

— x – New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 7, 2019

For the first time in three years, however, Long Islanders can say “in” because the Islanders are IN the playoffs! Who would have thought? The experts? No. The rest of the NHL? No. The Islanders? Yes.

The Islanders’ motto all year around has been “Prove People Wrong” and they have done that this year. It was pretty evident why the Islanders were predicted to be towards the bottom of the NHL’s standings. They lost their star player, replenished with a bunch of no-namers, and traded for a fourth-line winger that sat out half the season before.

But the Islanders embraced the role as the underdog. Players and fans alike knew that they would be washed away. The players definitely felt motivated to show their worth to the league.

After John Tavares left, players like Josh Bailey and Anders Lee were called “products” by naive fans. Well, Anders Lee and Josh Bailey who have 50 and 55 points, respectively, have shown that they are not “products.” Players like Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield have evolved into amazing defensemen because of Barry Trotz’s system. Valtteri Filppula, a noted “no-namer” had 17 goals on the year.

Let’s not forget about the fourth line. The fourth line has been the embodiment of how hockey is a team game and not an individual game. Since the fourth line has reunited, Casey Ciziaks has had a career year. He had 20 goals, which is third on the team. The fourth line has been the heart and soul of the team throughout the year. They set the tone every night and have sparked this team throughout the season. There is no “I” in the word team they say. Well, the fourth line, which could be called a second or third line has shown that.

So this week, whether you say in Long Island or on Long Island, it does not matter. Because the Islanders are IN the Playoffs.

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David Lazar