Mike and Dan recap a stressful week in which the Islanders' season was off, then back on again, plus an epic new Master Leaf Theatre.

Everything started great, with a businesslike win over the moribund Maple Leafs. Then, a trip to Ottawa meant a punch in the gut, and a Saturday night in Montreal meant a butt-whipping. With the red hot Blue Jackets waiting for them on Long Island, we were ready to be mad at the Islanders for sinking their season in a matter of days. But an incredible defensive performance (finally!) and a gritty 1-0 win let them live another day above the playoff line. It felt like either a wake up call, a playoff game or a foxhole. However it happened, we're glad it did although the feelings are complex.

This week, they get to do it again. With games against Chicago, Dallas and Florida, the Islanders need to win to keep pace, or perhaps, advance. They might need to keep their defense version of McDavid-Draisaitl going if injuries and lineup changes mount. We also discuss two recent ELC signings and the long-awaited official word of the team moving its AHL affiliate to Hamilton, Ontario.

Finally, it's an extended Master Leaf Theatre, covering another busy week for an NHL team. We've got bouquets of flowers, Forbidden Zones, barrel-chested whipping boys, delusions of competence and angry screeds that would make the crankiest newspaper columnist jealous. It's just another week for the Leafs. Now if they can just some smart people and a few top line players, maybe they'll have a chance next season...

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