The season-long urgency to win now is not any greater for the Islanders with the acquisition of top-nine forwards Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the Devils. Besides, coach Barry Trotz believes the notion of extra pressure on athletes is "crap" and, instead said it’s a privilege to be able to compete for championships.
For there’s no doubt the Islanders consider themselves strong Stanley Cup contenders.
Palmieri and Zajac made their debuts with their new team as the Islanders, holding a share of first place in the East Division, faced the Flyers on Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum.