Trade deadline boost helps New York Islanders believe they can chase the Stanley Cup right now

Matthew Schaefer magic already had the New York Islanders believing they could exceed preseason expectations and make the playoffs. Acquiring Brayden Schenn at the NHL trade deadline after adding a couple of veteran depth players in January has only added to the good vibes around the team. First-year general manager Mathieu Darche “wanted to give a little push” by going out and getting Schenn, fellow Stanley Cup winner Ondrej Palat and depth defenseman Carson Soucy, and it might be the nudg...

By STEPHEN WHYNO