The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Last year, the New York Islanders found themselves on the verge of being shut out of the playoffs before making a last ditch effort and acquiring the likes of Ryan Smyth, Jason Blake, Viktor Kolzig and Wade Dubielewicz.

This year, the Isles find themselves in a very similar position being helped by Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Jeff Tambellini... and Wade Dubielewicz.

Yes, the diminutive goalie was called upon to replace All Star goaltender Rick DiPietro, who has been away from the club dealing with a family matter, on Tuesday and backstopped the club to a crucial win over their archrivals, the New York Rangers. Many will remember how well he stepped up last year at this time when DiPietro went down with an injury.

Can lightning strike twice in the same place?

The Islanders are currently only three points out of the final playoff spot going into the upcoming rematch with the Rangers. There are also only 14 games left on the schedule to accomplish the task.

The question is, which Islander team will show up – the offensively impotent squad that could put any of 53 shots past Florida's backup goaltender Craig Anderson, or the gritty bunch who seem to always rise from the grave once everyone has buried them?

It's never boring being an Islander fan.