Tonight commences the part of the schedule that will really challenge the Islanders. They have won nine consecutive games, earned at least a point in twelve straight, and have lost only twice in regulation dating back January 30, a stretch of twenty-two games. To put that in perspective, tonight will be game number 30 for the Isles. So they have been rolling like a freight train for nearly half of the season, with the underlying numbers to back them.
Now, however, the Isles must prepare themselves to face all the teams in the MassMutual East Division that they will be battling for a playoff spot.