New York Islanders Fans Excited For Playoffs
Nassau Coliseum will be rocking for the playoffs once again. The blue and orange clinched a postseason berth Saturday, May 1 after they defeated the New York Rangers 4-0. Now, New York Islanders fans have their sights set on a Stanley Cup run.
“The last couple of years, the Islanders have stepped up for the playoffs and played how they were built,” said 21-year-old Islanders fan Matt Oliver. “I they put everything together, they will be able to have success.”
The Islanders are in a stacked MassMutual East Division and will play the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins or Boston Bruins in the first round.
“The Capitals, Penguins and Bruins are three amazing teams,” Oliver said. “The Islanders beat the Capitals last year in the playoffs, but no matter who they play, it will be difficult. But I think New York can handle it.”
Since Barry Trotz has taken over as head coach, New York has been one of the best teams in hockey. They have put defense first, proven people wrong and always believed.
“They just need to believe in themselves that they can win it,” Oliver said. “I certainly do.”
Others think the Islanders have a challenging road ahead.
“I want to believe they are going to make the jump, but lately, their play has not been good,” said 24-year-old Islanders fan Andrew Gagnon. “There has to be a level of expectation that they can win the Stanley Cup and right now they are struggling.”
The Islanders were one of the best teams in hockey in March, but recently, they have faltered. Two wins against the Rangers provided a glimmer of hope, but those were an outlier.
“The game the Islanders clinched was a rivalry game,” Gagnon said. “When the Islanders play teams with structure, they really play poorly.”
Backup goalies and rookies making their debuts have plagued the Islanders for years. In the playoffs, the Islanders will need to be nearly perfect if they want to see results.
“The Buffalo Sabres just beat the Islanders twice,” Gagnon said. “If you are going to wake up, now is the time to do it.”
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The fanbase is divided. To be or not to be? A long playoff run, or a first-round exit? Only time will tell.
