On this day in Islanders history, the New York Islanders extended their record-breaking point streak to a 17th game. To help get the Islanders to this milestone, they went on a 15-0-2 run defeating many formidable opponents such as the Dallas Stars and the Pittsburgh Penguins. They lost to the San Jose Sharks, where they achieved this feat, losing 2-1 as Casey Cizikas redirected an Adam Pelech shot to tie the game. Looking back, this run should have been an example of what Islanders fans could have seen in the bubble, but as always, hindsight is always 2020. 

Going 15-0-2 for any team is an impressive feat, but for the Islanders, this was special. After being eliminated in the second round in the 2019 playoffs, many were doubting the Barry Trotz coached Islanders could repeat such a magical season. The Islanders proved doubters wrong and emerged as a prominent force in the east. Unfortunately, between the point streak and stoppage in play due to COVID-19, the Islanders were mediocre at best. They were good enough to qualify for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualifiers, and through grit and determination, pushed the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lighting to overtime of game six in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

As we look on at this accomplishment a year later and the NHL still undecided on whether there will be a 2020-21 season, one has to wonder if the Islanders could go on a run comparable to that of last year. Practically the same roster is coming back, with a few tweaks made. More experience for the youth was also gained, as young budding stars like Mathew Barzal or Anthony Beauvillier tasting such success should only motivate them to strive for more. 

The point padding made through this run should also be noted. As mentioned earlier, the Islanders played quite poorly following this 17 game stretch. These points earned relatively early in the season shows that an extraordinary start to a season can carry mass amounts of weight throughout the season. Many people will brush aside early games in the season and deem them as less important, yet, it was these early and successful games that ultimately put the New York Islanders in the position they were and allowed them to be successful later on. 

Fond memories were made during the fabled 15-0-2 run as it sparked hope among fans. The mediocrity that followed only tempered fan’s expectations as they enjoyed a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Islanders have gone farther in the playoffs each year since former captain John Tavares left for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and now all eyes are set on Lord Stanley as the Islanders drive for five. 

John Smark