Teams that go on long runs into the NHL playoffs typically rely on contributions across a deep roster for their success.
So it was no surprise to hear Islanders coach Barry Trotz namechecking a majority of his players – even some reserves who have yet to dress in the postseason – after Thursday’s night’s 4-0 win over the Capitals in Game 5 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto to clinch the first-round series.
“It was a team effort,” Trotz said. “You look back at any game, there wasn’t anybody where you could say this line wasn’t very good, or that line wasn’t very good.