With a clinical display of frustrating Trotz-clogging and disciplined positioning, the New York Islanders knocked the Washington Capitals out of the playoffs last night, taking the series in a swift five games.
It’s their second playoff series victory in Toronto this month.
That means the Isles have advanced to the conference semifinals for the second consecutive year — and second time since the departure of their former captain — which used to be a routine matter in Islanders Country, but has been, well, elusive for a quarter century.
While watching the third period clock was still nerve-wracking, knowing a two-goal lead can disappear in a penalty and a bounce, that was the calmest I’ve felt in watching the Isles try to close out a win.