Just hours before their tough loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Islanders were focused on maintaining their composure amid a tight playoff race. However, that focus was challenged when a controversial goalie interference call led to Kyle Palmieri’s potential game-winning goal being disallowed.
Coach Patrick Roy emphasized the importance of staying calm, saying, "You can’t let anything affect you." He pointed out that even if their first period wasn’t perfect, they hadn’t put themselves in a bad position. "It’s a one-goal game or a two-goal game. A two-goal game now, it’s nothing," he added.
The Islanders have shown they can manage their emotions during games, but keeping that same level of focus from game to game has been more difficult. Their recent performance has been inconsistent, and after the frustration of Monday night’s loss, it’s crucial for them to regain their composure before facing the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
As of now, the Islanders have 12 games left in the season and were just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot. Their situation is precarious, especially with the Rangers also tied in points but having played one extra game. The Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings are also in the playoff mix, making every point critical.
The Islanders’ loss to Columbus could prove costly in the playoff race, particularly if they fail to bounce back quickly. Jean-Gabriel Pageau acknowledged the pressure, stating, "We’ve been in the same position the last couple of years," and stressed the importance of taking each game one at a time.
After a day off to cool down, the Islanders need to put the previous game behind them. They have never beaten the Canucks at UBS Arena, losing all three previous encounters there. Vancouver will be missing key players Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander due to injuries, which could provide the Islanders with a chance to secure a much-needed win.
As emotions settle, the Islanders must focus on accumulating points to solidify their playoff hopes. The upcoming game against the Canucks presents an opportunity to turn things around and regain momentum in their playoff push.