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The New York Islanders topped the Rangers in a big 4-1 win Thursday night. The Isles tied the Rangers for third in the Metropolitan Division with 99 points and, with a game in hand, took the third place spot. Not only did the team take third place, but also had their first season series sweep of the Rangers in franchise history.
Going forward, the Isles are currently in third place in the Metro Division and are currently anticipating a playoff matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team has two games left in the regular season: a Saturday matchup with the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. and a Sunday night matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, who are anxious to get a playoff spot of their own.
A downside for the Islanders from their matchup against the Rangers was an injury that forward Anders Lee received in the first period after being hit by a shot from teammate Johnny Boychuk. The shot left Lee with a fractured fibula and sidelined indefinitely. This is not the only injury that has plagued the team. Defenseman Travis Hamonic is still sidelined with a knee injury he sustained on March 31st in the team’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after a knee-to-knee collision with Columbus’ Scott Hartnell.
Cal Clutterbuck was also sidelined the past two games after sustaining a minor lower body injury on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Though he has missed two games so far, his injury is considered minor and he is expected to be ready for the playoffs. Similarly, Matt Martin was also sidelined Thursday due to a minor upper body injury, but he is also expected to be ready for the playoffs.
Star goalie Jaroslav Halak, however, is still sidelined with a groin injury he sustained weeks ago. Halak has been sidelined for around four weeks already, and has recently begun skating again, but is not expected to return to play for another two weeks. Halak, a big component to the Isles’ success, is a missing piece on the team. Though backup goalie Thomas Greiss has been performing very well for the team, there is still something missing without Halak on the ice nor on the bench.
Lastly, center Mikhail Grabovski is also still sidelined, due to a concussion, and is expected to be sidelined for another few weeks. Though Grabovski recently returned to the ice to practice his skating, he has stopped skating due to the return of some concussion symptoms, therefore he will continue his recovery by resting.
The Islanders have faced a good deal of injuries, especially in this dire time leading up to the playoffs. Regardless, the Isles have put their best play forward and have been rising above their opponents. Next, the Islanders take on the Sabres, before finishing up the season with the Flyers. Despite their current standings and definite place in the playoffs, the Isles are still looking for wins and won’t take their last two games lightly.
The regular season is coming to an end, and for many teams this last game or so matters a great deal. Regardless of a team’s current point standing, even if they aren’t have their playoff spot clinched, the need for a win is still at a high. Many teams want to end on a good, and winning, note for their fans, regardless of their playoff certainty or not.
The Islanders will take on the Sabres on Saturday in what is expected to be, not only an important but, an exciting game.
