Barring a minor hockey miracle in the Eastern Conference finals, you can anticipate the narrative regarding the Islanders’ season come next week.
They earned the respect of the NHL by overachieving with a roster light on stars, endured an extra postseason round, went deeper than any Islanders team in 27 years and represented the sport and Long Island with class.
All of which is true, and all of which should be part of how this team is remembered if this is the end of its road.
But this also is true: Before they depart to an uncertain offseason, it is crucial not to let go easily of the fingernail hold they have on the playoff cliff, trailing the Lightning, 2-0.