Mike and Dan enjoy being proven wrong by the Islanders, who won three of their tough games this week before losing to the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Last week, things were not looking good. The Islanders had squandered much of their homestand on losses and had a run of games against recent Stanley Cup champions on the horizon. But using a more balanced attack – including from a new, actual fourth line – and some dominant goaltending, they beat Tampa Bay twice and Colorado, who had only lost once this season. The games against the Lightning and Avalanche were some of the most fun this season, even if Saturday’s 2-0 win at [whatever it’s called] Arena in Tampa was also nerve-wracking. Even Adam Pelech, of all people, got in on the scoring fun. The games were so good for our psyche that losing to the Panthers in a sludgy Sunday matinee didn’t even bother us.

In the second half, we look at tricky upcoming games against the Golden Knights, Ducks and Lightning – again! – for the final time this season. They can win them if they keep using their new identity. We also discuss the delights of Brock Nelson’s return to UBS Arena and the induction of Pat LaFontaine into the Islanders Hall of Fame coming up on Saturday. Finally, we thank you for letting us do this for 350 episodes (so far) and for giving us another great year of growth and laughs. We hope you’re having as good a time as are.

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Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.

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