The Islanders know they need to start truckin’ to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Coach Barry Trotz likened his team to "an 18-wheeler" when it’s playing well, with momentum built from four efficient lines, three solid defense pairs and good goaltending.
And that’s what the Islanders showed in Thursday night’s 4-1 win over the Sabres at UBS Arena after a 10-day layoff. Semyon Varlamov made 36 saves for his second win this season — and second straight — and Mathew Barzal had a goal and two assists after missing three games while in COVID-19 protocol.