Isles Fall Apart in Game 5

               

After disappointing OT loss in game 4, the Islanders put up a rather putrid performance in game 5. Not only were they outplayed in every facet of the game, it looked as if their spirit had been left back in Uniondale.  They squandered a chance to put the Capitals back on their heels, and with it the precious momentum to finish the series.  Now the Islanders must summon the power to force a game seven or face elimination in what could be the final game at the Coliseum.

Hopefully they can put game 4 into distant memory and surge their way to a series victory. Another performance like this and it will be a most devastating going away present for the loyal Long Islanders that have supported them for the past 43 years.

Islanders Start Playoffs On Right Foot

                 

The Isles shook off the end of season rust and secured a series opening victory over the Washington Capitals.  Not only did they take away the Capitals home ice advantage, the Islanders gained much needed confidence against one of the bigger and stronger teams in the NHL.  Winning on the road is absolutely essential for mounting a championship run, so having this one in the books puts the team in a good spot going forward.

Though this is a great confidence booster, they are by no means out of the woods.  The Capitals still boast the leagues top scorer in Alexander Ovechkin and will surely look to turn up the offense and physicality in game 2.  If the Isles can weather the storm and keep their poise, they will be in great position to take control of the series and send things back to the Coliseum and the fervently raucous atmosphere that will be felt through the rafters.