Games are never easy in the NHL. But they can get harder.
"I think it’s about what we do," Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech said. "That’s the main point for us. Play our game. The mindset is the same. The schedule is changing."
The Islanders certainly entered a tougher portion of their schedule as they concluded a three-game road trip with a game against the Capitals on Tuesday night. It marked the start of a stretch of 12 straight games against the top playoff contenders in the East Division, including the Penguins, Bruins and Flyers.
"You have to beat the teams below you but, at the same time, you’re going to go nose-to-nose against some really good teams," coach Barry Trotz said after the Islanders played seven of their last eight games against the bottom-dwelling Sabres and Devils.