Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders Magic Number Wont Get Help from Boston Bruins

By Mike Lewis

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins makes a save against Jordan Eberle #7 of the New York Islanders during the third period at TD Garden on November 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins makes a save against Jordan Eberle #7 of the New York Islanders during the third period at TD Garden on November 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders magic number dropped thanks to an exciting overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild, but recent history says might not get their way on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

For whatever reason, the New York Islanders do not win hockey games against the Boston Bruins. Overall the Isles are 66-92-21. This decade looks even worse with all Bruins wins coming in regulation, mustering just a 10-22-0 record for the Blue and Orange.

Perhaps the fault lies in the Islanders trading Chara in 2001, or who knows, it may just be the black and gold that does it. The Islanders are only 19 -35 against the Penguins in the last decade as well. But with ten games to go the Isles could really use a good outing Tuesday night against the Bruins.

At any rate, the outlook seems a bit more promising for the Isles coming into this contest.

New York Islanders Magic Number is 10

Scott Mayfield and Thomas Hickey played two extremely good games against Detroit and Minnesota this weekend. Boychuk has been putting in extra time attempting to be ready to come back after nearly losing his head to Voracek against the Flyers, and Robin Lehner should be available between the pipes as well.

According to playoffstatus.com, the New York Islanders magic number is currently ten. With a strong effort on Tuesday, the New York Islanders could drop their magic number to eight.

The win would arguably cement their validity in being in the playoff picture. The Bruins had been one of hockey’s hottest teams, winning 14 of 16 contests before losing three out of their last four games.

However, precedence would suggest that the New York Islanders should continue to push and put out their best possible effort no matter how Boston is trending. With ten games to go and sitting in first place in the Metropolitan Division, with tiebreakers over the Capitals, the Islanders control their own destiny.

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Where to Catch the Game

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