After missing the playoffs each of the last two season, and winning only 35 games last year, things weren't looking too good for the Islanders. Tavares had just left and there was a change in management. All signs pointed to the Islanders possibly finishing in last place in the East this year. But when they gave up 40 shots against and still walked away with a 2-1 overtime win in Carolina (where ironically enough the season came to an end), it looked like it would be a sign of things to come. With three long win streaks in the first game of the year, a five game win streak at the end of October, a six game streak at the end of 2018 and start of 2019, and another five game streak in the middle of January, it looked like this team had something to prove. Hell they spent a good part of the year near the end of the season in first place in the Metro division, before slipping behind Washington for the division crown.
With the Isles finishing in 2nd place this year, its the highest they've placed in their division since a 2nd place finish (behind only the Flyers) during the 2001-02 season. New York's longest losing streak on the year was three games and it happened 16 games into the year, they were 8-6-2 at the time of the streak ending. When all was said and done, there were some big highlights to look at. How about the two wins over Toronto, the first being Barzal's hat trick there in December, followed up the 6-1 spanking at the Coliseum in JT's first game back here in New York. Barzal's hat trick against Toronto was one of two scored by an Islanders player this year, av had the other one in the middle of November in a home game against the Rangers. Six of New York's wins came in Overtime this year, with Josh Bailey, Matt Barzal, Devon Toews (first NHL goal beat the Hawks), Valtteri Filppula, Ryan Pulock and Brock Nelson all scored winners in the extra frame this year. It was more than just those moments that made this year so special.
The Islanders managed to pull a one eighty in the goals against department, Last year they had allowed the most goals in the league, this year they allowed the fewest. Robin Lehner was spectacular in net this year with 25 wins, a 2.13 goals against, a .930 save percentage and six shutouts. And after what he's gone through with his off ice issues, it really is the best feel good story in not only hockey but maybe all of sports. You really had to be rooting for the guy. His performance was so good this year, he was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie. Same goes for Barry Trotz, who was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year.
It ended on a sour note, getting swept out of the playoffs in round two by the Hurricanes. In the same building, ironically enough, where the season started with Greiss making 40 saves and Bailey winning the opener in overtime. But with that being said, nobody had them getting that far. They shocked the hockey world this year, and I have a feeling its only the beginning. It's a small sign of things to come in the future for the Blue and Orange. There's some players that need to be re-signed over the summer, there's a few weapons on the offensive front that need to be added, like a big goal scorer. But with what's in place right here and now, and with how good management is and the system that's in place, there's a lot to look forward to this summer. This a lot to be proud of for what the team managed to do this year.
Thanks for a hell of a ride this season fellas. It was a lot of fun.
Until October.......LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!
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