Good morning, Islanders Country.
In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) can’t believe they’re talking about an Islanders team that controls their own playoff destiny with four games left to play after a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers, their fifth straight win.
In this episode, the boys talk about the strong play at 5-on-5, but a penalty kill that is still scary. Plus, the sensational play of Semyon Varlamov, the need to stay aggressive with the lead, and Peter Laviolette and Rangers fans whining after the loss on Tuesday night at UBS Arena.
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📚 SOUND SMART: Per Eric Hornick in The Skinny, Mathew Barzal has recorded six assists over the last five games. It is the first time this season Barzal has had an assist in five straight games (and is one game shy of his career high, set in 2021). Barzal has 41 points at home and 39 points on the road; he needs one more road point for his second career "40/40" season.
🎥 ISLES REWIND: On April 11, 1975, playing in their first playoff series, the upstart Islanders shocked the rival New York Rangers when J.P. Parise scored 11 seconds into overtime at Madison Square Garden to give the Isles a 4-3 win.
At the time, it was the fastest goal in NHL Stanley Cup Playoff history. Parise had been acquired on Jan. 5, 1975, from the Minnesota North Stars along with Jude Drouin, who set up Parise's game and series-ending goal.
🔗 With playoff spot in sight, Islanders have been in postseason mode for some time by Peter Schwartz, WFAN.com “Fighting for a playoff spot is something that the Islanders have been used to in recent years and this season has been no different. In the midst of a season full of ups and downs, the Islanders made a coaching change, followed up a six-game winning streak with a six-game losing streak and have seen their playoff chances go back and forth”
🔗 The Hot, Cold, & Suddley Hot Again Islanders Explained by Stefen Rosner, The Hockey News “Patrick Roy never got a training camp, joining the Islanders mid-season. But he's put his team through a training camp mindset and now has them playing winning hockey to get back into a playoff spot.”
And we leave you with this…even the Biz was defending the Isles!
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The Red Line: We're Talking About Playoffs?