It’s time for an Islanders playoff run, and that means another Drive4Five mailbag! In this series, we will be answering questions that are asked to us on our Instagram, @drive4five, through the question and answer feature on Instagram stories, both about the New York Islanders and hockey in general. This will be a collaborative effort by all the writers on the website as each week you will see different people answering the questions! If you want to ask a question to potentially be featured in next week’s mailbag, make sure to check our Instagram for the next time we post the question and answer box on our story! If you want to check out what we had to say in the second mailbag, you can check it out here!

From @mickey_lyxx: “Do you think the Islanders will get a special 50th-anniversary jersey?”

“With the trend of 50th-anniversary jerseys emerging around the league, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Islanders follow the trend. However, the question would be how would they do it? They could either bring back the fisherman, similar to the Canucks this season or make a gold uniform. The Flyers and Sabres each made a play on a gold uniform in recent memory, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Islanders follow the trend. Although the fisherman would be a welcome decision, it would be very interesting to see how the Islanders make the gold work if that’s the case. Either way, expect a special uniform to be unveiled in 2021 for their 50th anniversary season.”
-Matt

From @allhailthedeathbat: “Who would you put on the wing with Derick Brassard and Jean-Gabriel Pageau?”

“Ross Johnston deserves the spot on the third-line as the winger with Derick Brassard and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Johnston may be known as an enforcer, but he always plays to where the puck is and has flashed some offensive skill. Based on his play this season, he should get more ice time and a greater chance than other players such as Michael Dal Colle and Leo Komarov. Ignoring his tendency to drop the gloves, Johnston works tremendously hard to fight for his spot in the lineup, and definitely deserves a chance to play in the Islanders’ playoff run.”
-Lexi

From @mpsacco23: “Who will be the Islanders’ x-factor in the bottom-six?”

“Matt Martin may not be the player he once was, but expect a huge postseason from the fourth-line left-winger. He recently had a child and is here with his team fighting for a Stanley Cup. That is the ultimate teammate.
On the ice, he is amazing as well. While he may not be a bottom-six center like Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Casey Cizikas, he means so much to this team.
The EMC^2 line is the identity of the Islanders and he will line up against top opposition all postseason. When the trio is together, it is the best trio in hockey, so expect Martin to do his part and lead New York to glory.”
-David
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, and make sure to keep an eye out on the Instagram story for the next time to submit questions, and check back next week for the next installment of the Drive4Five Mailbag!

SEF