In this space just under a year ago, we outlined where the Islanders went wrong. A dozen crucial mistakes, from ownership on down to the locker room, that left the Islanders a mess at the worst possible point in their recent history, what with John Tavares’ decision looming a few months ahead.



What a difference a year makes.



The Islanders entered Monday’s home finale against the Leafs having clinched a playoff berth, the first time in 29 years they clinched prior to April 1. Their coach is going to be a Jack Adams finalist and a likely winner, the first time in 40 years an Isles coach may take that honor; their goalie, a last-ditch free-agent signing, is likely to win the Masterton Trophy; and the rest of their veteran-heavy lineup has provided not only stability, but consistency and the sort of work ethic that never seemed to take hold in even the good seasons over the previous decade.



“We’re kind of junkyard dogs,” Mathew...