Isles Files
Your source for behind-the-scenes New York Islanders hockey news and information.
The Islanders' playoff history
Photo credit: AP
A snapshot of the Islanders' playoff history:
Appearances: 21
Record: 134-106
Stanley Cup Finals: 5
Championships: 4
1975: Defeated Rangers, 2-1, preliminary round; defeated Pittsburgh, 4-3, quarterfinals; lost to Philadelphia, 4-3, semifinals
1976: Defeated Vancouver, 2-0, preliminary round; defeated Buffalo, 4-2, quarterfinals; lost to Montreal, 4-1, semifinals
1977:...
Read more »Eric Boulton: 'Teams worry about playing us'
Photo credit: Jim McIsaac
Eric Boulton may not make it into any of the Isles’ playoff games, but the 36-year-old enforcer was on the roster during the Devils’ run to the Stanley Cup final last spring and knows what it takes to get there.
He also knows what it’s like to be part of a team that could surprise some people:
“Yeah -- I think a lot of teams worry about playing us. We don’t have a lot of experience,...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Brian Strait
Photo credit: Jim McIsaac
Brian Strait was a bit sour that the Penguins let him go on waivers in January; now, he’s looking to remind Pittsburgh that it made an error in letting the 25-year-old defenseman go.
Strait will be on the blue line with the Isles for this series and here’s what he thinks of the wild ride he’s had this season:
“Just thinking about it, it’s kind of fitting we’re playing the Penguins. When...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Matt Martin
Photo credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
As one of the most popular Islanders, Matt Martin maybe doesn’t have the on-ice influence of some of his bigger-name teammates, but he’s about to lead the NHL in hits for a second straight season.
He’s also a locker-room leader, and here’s what he had to say about his first playoff trip in our "In Your Own Words" series:
“We’ve been through a lot as a group, been through some...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Josh Bailey
Photo credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Josh Bailey, like Kyle Okposo, has perhaps had the most up-and-down Isles career. He went straight to the NHL at 18, spent a couple weeks in the minors and now has become an integral part of what’s happening at the ripe old age of 23.
Here’s his “In Your Own Words” on the playoffs:
“It’s exciting and we’ve waited a long time. That being said, if you just get satisfied and happy about...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Frans Nielsen
Photo credit: AP
Frans Nielsen has played the most games, 367 including tonight, of any of the core Islanders, so he is particularly pleased at the first playoff trip for him and his longtime teammates.
Here’s the 29-year-old center “In Your Own Words” on this season and what’s to come:
“It means a lot. We pretty much have had the same core the whole time and it’s been fun seeing the team grow and get...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Brad Boyes
Photo credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
BUFFALO -- Brad Boyes came to the Isles on a one-year, $1-million contract to prove he can still produce in the NHL.
With 35 points on the top line, he’s done that, and now he gets back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11 with the Sabres. Here’s his “In Your Own Words” about making the playoffs:
“It’s huge. I think coming here, with the history of the team, I didn’t really...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Mark Streit
BUFFALO -- Mark Streit may be at the tail end of his Islanders career, and a two-year run as captain. He’s still unsigned beyond this season and it will take some compromise for the 35-year-old to remain an Islander.
Still, Streit -- who is sixth all-time in franchise scoring by a defenseman -- has been through the tough times. Here’s his “In Your Own Words” playoff thoughts:
“It’s really...
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Kyle Okposo
Photo credit: AP
BUFFALO -- Kyle Okposo turned 25 last week, but his maturation process has unfolded before Islanders fans’ eyes for nearly five seasons. He has perhaps had the most high-and-low existence of any of the Isles’ core players, and his occasional dominance this year has vindicated both himself and his playoff-bound team. Here’s his “In Your Own Words” about his first postseason:
“It means a lot....
Read more »What the playoffs mean to me: Matt Moulson
Photo credit: David Pokress
BUFFALO -- Matt Moulson is 29 and a bona fide scorer in the NHL after four seasons on John Tavares’ wing. But Moulson’s first postseason will take his late-blooming career to a new height. Here’s his “In Your Own Words” about the playoffs:
“Ever since I’ve gotten here that’s been a huge goal of ours, getting to the playoffs. All the guys who have been here since I’ve been here, that’s what...
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