PITTSBURGH – It was a relaxed Monday for the Islanders between Games 1 and 2 of their first-round series against the Penguins. Only the extras participated in a limited optional skate at PPG Paints Arena. Cheering and laughing could be heard echoing through the empty building from the event floor as players not skating participated in off-ice exercises.
The intensity will return on Tuesday night as the Islanders have a chance to return to Nassau Coliseum with a commanding series lead after winning Game 1, 4-3, in overtime on Sunday afternoon. The trick is remaining on the desired even keel given the opportunity ahead of them.