The Islanders certainly seem to be in a bit of a predicament, considering the circumstantial evidence of being down 2-1 in their NHL semifinal series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning and facing what nearly amounts to a must-win in Saturday night’s Game 4 at Nassau Coliseum.
But the Islanders can also draw inspiration, motivation and confidence from being in this exact spot twice already in these playoffs. They rallied for six-game wins against the Penguins in the first round and then the Bruins.
So, they know they’re capable of doing it again.
"Yeah, we’ve had success, even being in this position the last two previous times," coach Barry Trotz said on Friday as the team conducted an optional practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.