The Islanders are in the midst of a disappointing season, heading for a playoff-less finish after consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference Final.
But they showed up on Friday night, bullying the playoff-bound Rangers in their own backyard in a 3-0 dominant shutout victory.
What helped the Islanders to such an inspiring performance? If you ask head coach Barry Trotz, even in a lost season, it always feels good to take down a rival.
“Rivalry, plus we don't like them,” Trotz said. “They don't like us.”
There hasn’t been much to celebrate this season for Trotz and the Islanders, but spoiling the Blueshirts’ four-game winning streak must have been a nice reprieve from a season of frustration.
You can hear Trotz’s full postgame comments below:
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