Islanders 3 keys against Buffalo Sabres: Cut the crap

Cut the Crap

They’ve made the playoffs. Great. But the season isn’t over. There’s still home-ice advantage to play for. And that’s wildly important for a team like the Islanders. Here is their home record compared to their road record, along with their points percentage and rank in the NHL:

• Home: 20-3-3, 0.827 Pts%, 1st
• Road: 11-13-2, 0.462 Pts%, 20th

Why are they not ruthlessly pursuing as many points as they can accumulate through the remaining schedule? Why do they think it’s acceptable to take thir foot off the gas against the Sabres while they’re up 2-0?

It’s late to be saying this, but it still has to be said: they’ve got to cut the crap.

Luckily, the division and home-ice advantage can still be had. The Capitals and Penguins (first and second in the division respectively), are only four points up on the Isles. Isles have a game in hand on Pittsburgh.

The Penguins still have to play the Flyers (who beat them 7-2) yesterday before playing Buffalo twice. The Caps, have to play the Rangers, Flyers (twice) before ending their season against the Bruins on May 11.

The Islanders have an easier schedule ahead than both teams. Picking up more points than at least one of those teams is possible. Assuming they can play their game and not take themselves out of it. They’ll have to cut this arrogant attitude quickly if they hope to do so.