Leave it to Islanders fans and the hashtag #IslesTwitter to remind us just what the trade deadline is all about: a collective group of living, breathing, trade-starved maniacs (in a good way), impatiently waiting to see how the roster is shaped for the stretch run of the season.
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Islanders fans took it as far as to track the team plane — which was bound for Dallas as the Isles prep to take on the Stars on Thursday — to see who, if anyone, would be getting off and redirected elsewhere.
It was like watching a beautifully executed two-on-one late in the third period.
Isles fans have reason to be a bit frantic. The team has been linked in trade rumors regarding Avalanche center Matt Duchene (hence the No. 9 in the above tweet) for a while, and a deal would likely provide a big boost for the team heading into the latter stages of the season.
With the NHL trade deadline looming and the Islanders in a resurgence following the firing of coach Jack Capuano, the team could be a piece or two from being a dark horse out of the Eastern Conference.
The Islanders just sit one point back of the second wild card in the East, so there’s still a bit of work to be done. But under interim coach Doug Weight, the team has been revived, going 12-5-2 in 19 games with him in charge.
Hang in there, #IslesTwitter! There’s still some time yet. And thanks for reminding sports what trade deadlines are all about.
