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New York Islanders Clinch 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff Spot

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 24: Head coach Barry Trotz works his 1600th NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at the NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 24, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Coyotes 2-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 24: Head coach Barry Trotz works his 1600th NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at the NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 24, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Coyotes 2-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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With a win over the Buffalo Sabres, the New York Islanders have secured themselves a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2015-16.

It’s been a long time since the New York Islanders were in the playoffs. Or at least that’s how its felt. But with a win over the Buffalo Sabres, the New York Islanders are going back to the playoffs.

It was the first time in 17 years that the New York Islanders were able to clinch a trip to the playoffs at home.

The Islanders weren’t supposed to be here. A year after they lost their captain to free agency and rolled in a parade of bottom six players, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year. The New York Islanders were supposed to be closer to the bottom then they are from the top.

With 99 points on the season, and with three games to spare the Islanders secured a playoff spot come April.

Ahead of Schedule

Maybe it feels like the New York Islanders have been out of the playoffs for so long because so much has changed since they were part of them. Since beating the Florida Panthers in a six-game series, there’ve been a considerable amount of changes.

John Tavares; gone in free agency. Garth Snow; fired for Lou Lamoriello. Jack Capuano; fired and replaced with Doug Weight. Doug Weight; fired and replaced with Barry Trotz.

The Islanders essentially cleaned house and made the best of it. Playing as a cohesive unit they were able to eliminate most of their faults and stun the NHL as they built a winning season on their way to the postseason.

A postseason berth that frankly came early. They weren’t supposed to be this good this soon. But Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello will take it.

If this team can be a playoff team by adding some players around the fringes, imagine what they can be when Lou gets to bring in some top tier talent in the next year or two.

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