A bit of a personal anecdote here, though it's never good to try and humanize yourself when you're in this business:

Over the last 7-8 years since I broke into the NY sportswriting scene, I've had to do what a lot of men and women have to do:

Put away the fan/supporter hat.

That being said, through all the bad that's happened this season, I've had an opportunity to watch these #Isles playoff games with my dad (who remains as diehard as ever).

While this year has been the absolute worst, the joy that the #Isles ' run has brought him has been a true thrill to witness — moments that came few and far between in the 20 or so years we religiously spent every Tuesday and Thursday night on the couch or at the Coliseum.

So, through all the garbage, that has been a wonderful silver lining.

Anyway, puck drop in a little over four hours. #Isles looking for their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 27 years.