There’s a certain combination of intensity and desperation that define playoff games, or a playoff-like game.
The Islanders, after stumbling through some inconsistent performances, believe they got back to that intensity and desperation their last time on the ice.
But only by maintaining that level, and then continuing to raise it, will the Islanders truly be ready for their first postseason berth since 2016.
The Islanders, who did not practice on Tuesday, conclude a stretch of eight of nine games at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum against the Canadiens on Thursday night after Monday night’s 2-0 win over the Blue Jackets in a crucial Metropolitan Division match.