New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are 41-20-2, making them 1st in the NHL’s Metropolitan Division with a two-point lead over the 2nd place New York Rangers. New York is 22-8 at home this season. The team has reached the 40-win mark for the 1st time since 2006-2007. Earlier in February, the Islanders won eight games in a row and have won 19 of their past 25 home games. Talk about hot streaks!

The Islanders are one of metropolitan New York’s three NHL teams, whose primary fan base is Long Island. The team has not made a playoff appearance since 1992-1993, and last won a Stanley Cup in 1983. The team will be moving into the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, beginning with the 2015-2016 season.

Earlier this week, the team defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 5-1. In the 3rd period, the Islanders scored four unanswered goals in just under six minutes to break a tied game. After a scoreless opening period, Anders Lee scored the Islanders’ 1st goal in the 2nd period. Phoenix’s Mark Arcobello scored next to tie the game. The team’s four unanswered 3rd period goals were scored by: Matt Martin, Johnny Boychuk, Kael Mouillierat and Brock Nelson.

On Tuesday, the Islanders announced that defenseman Nick Leddy agreed to terms on a seven-year contract through 2021-2022, reportedly worth over $38 million. Leddy is 23 years old and has scored eight goals this season so far. The Islanders acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks in October 2014 along with goalie Kent Simpson. Leddy was with the Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup in 2013.

The Islanders also defeated the Calgary Flames at home on Friday night, 2-1. Ryan Strome scored New York’s initial goal in the 1st period and after a scoreless 2nd period, Cal Clutterbuck scored the 2nd in the final period. The Islanders have seven home games out of their upcoming thirteen through the month of March.