As the New York Islanders gear up for the final stretch, Anders Lee knows it's time to buckle down. The Olympic break came just when the team needed it most. After a whirlwind of games and a determined push up the standings, Lee acknowledged the pause offered a much-needed breather.
“It’s nice to get some time with your family, spend some quality time with them, and be with the kids and get away from the game for a few days and reset,” Lee shared. The Islanders had been on a relentless schedule, and while the fatigue wasn’t immediately apparent, it became clear once the break started.
“When you’re in that groove, you don’t realize how tired you are,” Lee explained. “Before the break, when it was finally over, you realized how gassed we were.”
Now, the Islanders face a tough reality: 24 games in 48 days. With little room for mistakes, every moment counts. The time leading up to their next game against Montreal is crucial for preparation.
“That’s why we’re here today - we’ve got nine or ten days to prepare ourselves for that Montreal game. That’s plenty of time, but we’ve got to put the work in,” Lee emphasized.
The focus will be on discipline and recovery. “Once that game’s over, you start the process of recovering for the next night,” Lee said. It’s all about doing the right things in between games to stay ready.
Every team is facing the same grind, but Lee believes the key is in the details - hydration, rest, recovery sessions, and mental focus. “It’s not going to be anything different - every team’s going to go through it,” he noted. “You’ve just got to take care of your body and get ready for each night.”
For the Islanders, the break offered a chance to regroup and refocus. Now, with the final stretch ahead, their resilience and commitment will be put to the test.