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New York Islanders: Recent Hot Streak Has Sparked Hope

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Islanders got off to an awful start this season. However, a recent hot streak has sparked some hope in New York.

After reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, the New York Islanders have been a huge disappointment this season. Currently, the Islanders are in last place in the Metropolitan Division, however, there is some hope.

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Despite the slow start, the Islanders are finally starting to play some good hockey. Starting at the end of their West Coast trip, the Islanders were able to defeat the Calgary Flames by a score of 2-1 in overtime. Defenseman Thomas Hickey has been clutch for the Islanders the past few seasons, and his overtime winner in that game has been one of the biggest goals of the season thus far.

After the win against the Flames, the Islanders started a really difficult stretch. Starting at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Islanders were able to defeat the defending Stanley Cup Champions. In the win, the Islanders nearly blew a sizeable lead in the game. However, a goal with less than 30 seconds remaining by Anders Lee resulted in a Islanders win.

Following the win against the Penguins, the Islanders then shutout the Washington Capitals on the road. Defeating the Capitals has been a challenge for the Islanders the past few seasons. However, a great game by Jaroslav Halak resulted in the first shutout of the season for the Islanders, and their third straight win.

Even with a nice layoff, the Islanders dropped the ball a bit after two straight amazing wins. Against the Detroit Red Wings, the Islanders lost at home in overtime. Even though they lost in overtime, the Islanders were still able to get a point for the fourth straight game.

After the overtime loss to the Red Wings, the Islanders hosted their rivals, the New York Rangers. In the first game of the season, the Rangers were able to defeat the Islanders, this time around, the Islanders got the best of their rivals. Another strong game by Halak helped result in a win and two points.

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After three straight starts by Halak, the Islanders went back to Thomas Greiss in the net against the St. Louis Blues. Against a talented Blues team at home, the Islanders were once again able to earn a victory and two points.

The Islanders will be heading into the weekend with a six-game point streak. Even though they have totaled 11 out of the possible 12 points in their last six games, they are still in last place in the division. Even though that can be a bit discouraging, they are now only 10 points behind the first place Penguins. The log jam in the Metropolitan means that the Islanders can easily move up in their next few games if they continue to earn points.

Next: 3 Takeaways From Islanders win vs. Rangers

Even though being in last place certainly wasn’t the plan at this point in the season, the Islanders have to like the way they are playing now.

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