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If the Islanders are going to make a serious run at their first playoff appearance in three seasons, they’ll likely need to continue capitalizing on a long stretch in the New York metropolitan area.

After getting that stretch off to a positive start, the Islanders look to win consecutive games for the first time in six weeks Monday night when they host the Florida Panthers.

The Islanders (12-13-7) are tied with the Panthers (12-14-7) for 10th in the Eastern Conference, two points out of the eighth and final playoff position. New York has a chance to improve that position with its key stretch at home.

The Islanders are in the midst of a 10-game stretch that includes eight at Nassau Coliseum, and the two road games are against the New York Rangers. They won’t leave the state until a visit to Ottawa on New Year’s Eve, and they’ve played 20 of their first 31 on the road, going 5-10-5 including a 5-4 shootout defeat at Florida on Nov. 14.

New York started this 10-game stretch in strong fashion Saturday, beating Boston 3-2 as center Frans Neilsen clinched the victory 24 seconds into overtime.