I wake up today with excitement for a Game 6 and relief for the chance to keep this train rolling, while fully aware of the daunting challenge that remains.
The Islanders are a team that can function in a very machine-like way — when they have their full lineup. So it’s hard for me to envision how many times they can survive without Casey Cizikas and the lineup (and PK) hole his injury represents: whether going with 11 forwards in a three-centers-plus situation, or moving someone else to center, it seems the dam will break at some point.