First rule for those of us who either root for or write about NHL teams: No grand conclusions in early November!
So we must start here by noting the Islanders’ final regular-season game is five months from Tuesday, by which time, who knows, maybe John Tavares will be overcome with nostalgia and start sleeping under an Islanders blankie.
Point is, it’s a long time from now. But fans are allowed to dream, and to be excited.
After Monday night’s disappointing 4-3 shootout loss to the Canadiens at Barclays Center – in which the Islanders blew an early 3-1 lead and were badly outplayed much of the night – they no longer have a winning streak, but they still are in first place in the Metropolitan Division and now have gotten credit for at least one point in seven consecutive games.