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New York Islanders Schedule: Ten Games You Need to Watch

Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Shane Prince (11) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers with teammates during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Shane Prince (11) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers with teammates during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Steve Bernier (16) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5) fight during the second period at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Steve Bernier (16) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5) fight during the second period at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Feb 18: Isles have a home & home series against Devils

On February 18th we welcome the Devils to the Barclays for the first tilt between the two divisional rivals. Yeah. The first time we play each other is on February 18th. Seems pretty late.

It’s also going to be our first chance at seeing Taylor Hall in a New Jersey…jersey. I had to make that pun.

But the importance of the game isn’t necessarily who’s going to be wearing what jersey, though that has its elements. It’s really the fact that these two games come. The importance comes by the virtue of how late in the season this occurs.

The first game of this home-and-home is game 57 on the season. That means 68% of the season has passed before we ever encounter a team within our very own division. A team we play four times a season.

By February the playoff picture is starting to become clearer. Teams are still jockeying for position, but by-and-large we know whose going to make the playoffs. Unless they pull a 2014 Ottawa Senators type run.

These two games against the Devils are going to be imperative in determining playoff positioning. Generally, pundits pull out the “four-point-game” hyperbole near the end of the season, but these two games are very much four-point-games.

Next: Nine-Game Road Trip

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