Josh Bailey of the Islanders is seen on the ice...

Josh Bailey of the Islanders is seen on the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nassau Coliseum. (Feb. 28, 2013) 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 being there, it’ll be a pretty quick run and we’ll be going home just a week or so later than everyone else did. We certainly don’t want that.

“Management’s been patient with us, really given us a great opportunity here. We obviously appreciate it, wanted to come out and give our best try to make the playoffs. We’ve accomplished part of our goal but there’s still a ways to go.

“We’ve been getting contributions from everyone, not just offensive contributions. We’ve had guys step up in all situations. It had to be done by committee for us to get here and to this point it’s been pretty good.”

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