LAS VEGAS – Neither the Islanders nor Vegas, who meet on Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena, have gotten off to quick starts this young season after both were NHL semifinalists last season.
Perhaps that’s not unexpected.
Deep playoff runs, and the price that must be paid in terms of an intense emotional and physical commitment to have one, often have lingering effects the next season.
"To be honest with you, it’s not the easiest thing," Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier said. "The semifinals of the Stanley Cup, Game 7. It’s almost the top of the mountain there with the intensity level and the compete level.