Evaluating Islanders' season means balancing big-picture optimism with short-term failure

ELMONT, N.Y. — There was a finality to the dressing room that only a season finale can bring. Islanders players walked off the ice Tuesday wearing only shoulder pads, their jerseys given to select fans in a ceremony following their 2-1 loss to Carolina. In the room, assistant coach Ray Bennett went to the skaters sitting in their stalls, shaking each of their hands. No. 2 goalie David Rittich brought in a pair of sticks for star rookie Matthew Schaefer to sign. Parting mementos.Advertisement