New York Islanders Three Reasons to Be Excited For Playoffs

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Casey Cizikas #53 and Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders celebrate a goal against the New York Rangers at the Barclays Center on December 6, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. the Islanders defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The New York Islanders haven’t been to the playoffs since 2015-16. With their magic number dropping to two with four games left, its time to start getting excited.

It still isn’t mathematically locked in, but with a tenacious come from behind win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the New York Islanders magic number drops to just two points. They could clinch a return to the playoffs with a win at home to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

The Islanders haven’t been to the postseason since the 2015-16 season, where on the heels of heroics from Thomas Greiss and two goals from John Tavares they won their first playoff series since 1993; a 23-year wait.

As we all know, good things don’t always last. Jack Capuano’s reign came to a crashing end in 2016-17, as did the Doug Weight era after his “all offense, no defense” (my words, not his) approach flamed out incredibly in 2017-18.

After taking a big step forward in 2015-16, the Isles took two steps back in the following years. It all culminated with the departure of GM Garth Snow, head coach/assistant GM Doug Weight, and captain John Tavares going into this season.

But here we are, with four games left to go in the season, the playoffs are right there. Again, the Islanders haven’t clinched just yet, but it’s hard to imagine then flamming out now. It’s time to get excited.