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New York Islanders Three Signs They’re Ready for 2019 NHL Playoffs

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders handles bench duties against the Buffalo Sabres at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 30, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Sabres 5-1 to qualify for the playoffs. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders handles bench duties against the Buffalo Sabres at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 30, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Sabres 5-1 to qualify for the playoffs. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Thomas Greiss #1 and Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders celebrate a 4-0 shutout against the San Jose Sharks skates against the San Jose Sharks at the Barclays Center on October 08, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The islanders shutout the Sharks 4-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Getting Saves

The Islanders goaltending has been their strength all season long. Robin Lehner’s very first start with the Islanders ended in a shutout. Through the remainder of the season, he’s put up another four shutouts and holds a 0.926SV% with a 2.18GAA.

Don’t forget about Thomas Greiss and his 0.926SV%, 2.32GAA, and five shutouts to himself in 38 starts this season. The Islanders goalie duo has been fantastic all year long. But down the stretch pucks started going in that otherwise wouldn’t have.

Through March 3rd and March 21st, the Islanders were averaging a 0.902SV%, resulting in two embarrassing losses at the hands of the Boston Bruins (5-0) and the Montreal Canadiens (4-0).

But over the last six games, they’ve been averaging a 0.934SV%. The Islanders shot-stoppers are heating back up right as they head towards the playoffs.

We know how important depth scoring and the power play is during the postseason, but a hot goalie can change everything. And the New York Islanders have two of the better shot-stoppers in the league.

Next. 5 People Responsible For Islanders Playoff Berth

The New York Islanders can rely on Robin Lehner or Thomas Greiss at any point to keep them in a game. That’s an incredible advantage that no other team int he league possesses. Sure, the Tampa Bay Lightning have Andrei Vasilevskiy, but if he stinks up the joint, who’s backing him up?

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