New York Islanders in desperate need of a win

When will the New York Islanders finally wake up in the city that never sleeps?

We are now 15 games into the Islanders season, and there is already discussion on whether or not they will even make the playoffs. 

The Islanders are currently 5-8-2 on the year and have been missing seemingly every part of their team at one point or another. COVID-19 has taken many players out of the lineup, and injuries have sidelined many others.

“They are in a bad state right now,” said Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Islanders, Clark Gillies.

On top of not having their roster available, the Islanders began their season with a 13-game road trip while their brand new, $1.1 billion stadium finished its final touches.   

“I thought if they could come back a couple games over 500, everyone would be very happy,” said Gillies. “They were in that position, and they were 5-2-2 after nine games on the road. Then they lost the last four which is disappointing. It wasn’t the way they wanted to finish.”

The 13 games on the road have seemed to take its toll on the team.

“I saw them play in Florida the other night, and they are just bagged,” said Rod Pedersen. “They are done.”

The Islanders are currently last place in the Metropolitan division, but that could change quickly if the Islanders can get hot the rest of the way.

It all starts tonight however, when the Islanders battle the New York Rangers. One of the biggest rivalries in hockey is sure to bring the excitement, and with the Islanders still breaking in the new stadium, it will be a game fans don’t want to miss.

“There could be 30 inches of snow on the ground and it would be sold out for a game against the Rangers,” said Gillies. “They are up against it tonight, and it’s going to take a tremendous effort from all these regulars and the kids they are calling up.”

The Rangers are currently 11-4-3 and third in the Metropolitan Division.

Tonight will be an important game for the Islanders, after dropping 6 games in a row. With fans seen burning jerseys in New York, a win against the Rangers would be huge for the team and their fans.

“The fan base only wants one thing, especially with the ticket prices they are paying now in the new building,” said Gillies. “They want to win.”