New York, NY -- Although several members of the Islanders have become so good at golf that they've considered retiring and turning pro, they will have to put away their clubs for the next little while as the Islanders have clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time under GM Jones. In what has been a long and trying 2.5 seasons of rebuilding, it all seems to be worth it as the Islanders now boast some of the best young and old players in the league and seem ready to upset anyone now that they are in. After a thrilling 5-3 win against arch rivals New York Rangers, the Islanders have now sealed their spot in the playoffs. The only question is where they will end up and who they will play. Needing only a win in their last 3 to secure 6th or 7th, it seems likely they will face either the Florida Panthers or Boston Bruins in the 1st round.
As the season winds down, coach Keenan has decided to rest starting goalie Manny Legace until the end of the playoffs. For the last 3 games, Ilja Bryzgalov will (yet again) get a chance to prove he belongs and he can contribute to a playoff bound team. There will also be some tinkering done to the lines in the last few games to see what will click before the playoffs start. The 2nd line will more than likely remain in tact as Niedermayer, Nieuwendyk and Hemsky have played great together lately.
An exciting time to be an Islanders fan.....