Injuries limited Andy Sutton to just 23 games last season, and even though this year is only 14 games old, the defenseman already sees a difference in this group of Islanders.
“Something happened partway through this season,” Sutton said after practice yesterday in Syosset. “We figured out our identity, and it’s showing in the way we’re playing.”
And the Isles are getting results, bringing a four-game winning streak into Buffalo tonight.
“We’re making simple, hard, effective plays and being tenacious,” Sutton said. “We’ve been pretty disciplined. I think is a young team that’s getting smarter.”
It’s also a team that might start getting recognition soon.
Following their most recent win, a 3-1 victory over visiting Edmonton on Monday, Oilers coach Pat Quinn credited the Isles with outworking his team, but added, “They’re not even a physical team.”
Sutton would argue that point, as would coach Scott Gordon.
“If teams look at us and say, ‘That’s the 30th-place Islanders,’ it’s probably better for us,” Gordon said.
“But I think there isn’t enough credit given to our players. It’s not a question of being bigger. I think we have guys who are more willing to finish hits. I know we did [Monday] night.”
They will have to continue that style of play in the coming weeks. Starting with tonight’s game against the Sabres, the Isles are on the road for nine of their next 10 matches.
That stretch will go a long way in determining whether they can stay in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.
“We’ve shown we can play with any team in the league,” rookie John Tavares said. “We’re getting the wins to prove that and know we can’t afford to slip up.”