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

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (AP) — 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 nudge the Islanders need to not just get in but go on a run. “Mathieu, all he wanted was to reward the players,” coach Patrick Roy said Thursday. “The guys played so hard and played so...