With the New York Islanders on a two-game win streak, the playoff picture has never looked better. Before the All-Star break, the Islanders were walking on thin ice closing out the month with a 1-2-1 record. They were five points out of a wild card spot and four points out of third place in the Metro division. Although, it does seem like Patrick Roy is living up to his promise that from now on, it will be playoff hockey for the Islanders.

The first game back for the Islanders was an away game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 5th. This was the third and final game between both teams on the season and the Islanders had the opportunity to sweep the series. That’s exactly what they did; the Islanders not only won the game 3-2, but they did it in a fashionable way. The scoring came from a variety of players with NHL All-Star Mathew Barzal, Kyle MacLean picking up his first NHL goal, and former Maple Leaf Pierre Engvall icing it late in the third to give the Islanders the win.

Their second game was back at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it was an exciting one to say the least with the final score being 6-2. Barzal and Bo Horvat had themselves a night as they both had a goal and an assist combining for 4 points. Noah Dobson, Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Pulock, and Casey Cizikas were the Islanders’ other goal scorers.

The difference maker has been the Islanders getting their guys healthy. Having Ryan Pulock, Pierre Engvall, Adam Pelech, and Casey Cizikas back in the lineup has helped them tremendously as they all had one point in the Lightning game. Their defense has also improved with Pulock back in the lineup, so that goes to show how impactful he is on the game.

It is important for the Islanders to keep this momentum going because if they continue to play the way they are then their hopes of making the playoffs will soon become their reality.