It's Do Or Die For The New York Islanders

The Islanders recognize that they could lose their shot at the playoffs if they lose to the Rangers.

With the Islanders being 5 points away from a playoff spot, their game against the Rangers isn't going to be easy. Their whole season could be over if they have a bad week. Islanders Coach, Ted Nolan says that he's not concentrating on anything other than winning one game at a time.

The Islanders recently set an NHL record with 53 wasted shots, without even winning the game when they lost to the Panthers, 1-0. After the game, Nolan went easy on his team and encouraged them to just work harder. He was also sarcastic when he said that maybe one of these days the puck might hit someone and go in. Nolan has faith in his team and feels they'll do better in the future. At this late stage of the season, the Islanders have to keep from being too desperate to the point where they start making mistakes.

Both Make Comrie and Sean Bergenheim have played well the second half of the season. The rest of the Islanders just need hold their ground knowing that its do or die when it comes to the Rangers. On another note, Goalie Rick DiPietro, was scheduled to rejoin the team after taking some time off due to a death in the family. The team is also taking it one day at a time in determining the return of Defenseman, Bruno Gervais after he endured a concussion.n n n n