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New York Islanders Start Long Road Trip on a Positive Note

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Jason Chimera (25) celebrates his goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Jason Chimera (25) celebrates his goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Islanders were able to get a big win against the Detroit Red Wings to start their nine-game road trip.

Despite an awful start to the season, the New York Islanders are playing some good hockey now. Even though the Eastern Conference is tough this season, the eighth spot is still reachable for a few teams including the Islanders.

As of now, the Islanders are in a three-way tie with 66 points for the final spot. In addition to the Islanders, the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins are also seeking the final spot in the Eastern Conference.

With the race so tight, every game counts for the Islanders. On Tuesday, the win against the Red Wings was an important one to set the tone for their road trip. It hasn’t been a good season in Detroit, but these are the types of game that the Islanders need to get two points in. Head coach Doug Weight has done a great job since taking over for Jack Capuano, and he was happy about the win.

"“It’s huge to win this game,” said New York coach Doug Weight via ESPN.com. “We got two tough tests coming. We got Montreal and Columbus. It doesn’t get easy. Detroit just won two in a row against the best two teams in the league.”"

To finish up this week, things won’t get any easier for the Islanders. They will have to play two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference starting on Thursday when they face the Montreal Canadiens. Then, they will face the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Following the two games against Eastern Conference opponents, the Islanders will begin the West Coast portion of the road trip. The games against the Western Conference aren’t the most difficult, however, it is challenging to play on the opposite coast at the end of a long road trip.

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This nine-game road trip can either make or break the Islanders’ season. While they don’t need to separate themselves for the eighth spot in the playoffs, they can’t afford to lose much ground with a lot of teams in the mix.

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