What the playoffs mean to me: Kyle Okposo

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. This is what you play hockey for, to play in the playoffs. You’re a kid -- for me, I was in the driveway on roller skates, and I was playing the playoffs. We’re excited, but at the same time we know we have to play well and keep our streak going into the playoffs.

“I think it’s a step in the process. It obviously took longer than I wanted it to but I feel like I’m trending the right way. It’s been a long five years, up and down, the team and for me personally. But as a team we’re going the right way for sure, this franchise. We definitely have some good pieces in place. For me, it’s always about trying to get better.”