Islanders Martin, Cizikas, Bailey had Careers Shaped by 2013 Playoffs | NYHN+

When the puck drops for Game 2 of the New York Islanders First Round matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, it will be Matt Martin’s 62nd career playoff game, Josh Bailey’s 54th and Casey Cizkas’s 52nd game of his career in the postseason. But flashback eight years ago when these two teams met for the first time in postseason play since 1993 and it was their first taste of the playoffs.

While many of the faces on both sides of the rivalry have changed over the years several have remained the same. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are still going strong for Pittsburgh and Martin, Cizikas and Bailey remain the New York Islanders representatives from that series.

[Click here for complete Stanley Cup Playoff coverage of the New York Islanders]

The 2013 series was a learning experience for the three intricate members of the Islanders core and helped them understand what was needed to win a playoff round.