James Isaacs not giving up on Fife Flyers’ play-off chances

The Kirkcaldy side need to make up a seven point deficit in the remaining 10 games of the season to overhaul the teams above them and claim a play-off position.

But with five points from the last four games bringing an end to a 14-game losing streak, Isaacs believes there is still plenty for Fife to play for. 

“We’re not in the position we want to be, but we’ve got to make the best of it,” he said.

”Every game is must-win from now on, especially this upcoming weekend against two teams we’re trying to catch.

“The last few weeks we’ve just really focused on our game making sure we’re doing the right things and improving every game, and I think that came to fruition against Sheffield.

“We’re seven points out and you never know what can happen in this league.

“You string together three or four games and all of a sudden you’re right back in the mix, and other teams that thought they were comfortable start tightening up a bit.

“We’re playing with nothing to lose – it can’t get any worse – so sometimes that’s a positive especially going down the final stretch when things are pretty hard.”

As one of the longest serving members of the team, Isaacs, currently in his fourth year in Fife, admits the season has been tough to take.

“It’s a club you learn to love - a lot of guys that come here stay for a few years,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be here for four, and it sucks right now for the fans, the organisation, and the guys in the room.

“If I’m back next year the first thing on my mind is that I’m going to try my hardest to make sure we turn it around.

“The club deserves a better place in the standings, and to bring home some silverware.”

While the team has had a difficult campaign, many fans view this as Isaacs best season to date in a Flyers jersey.

“Maybe it’s just a testament to my consistency, so maybe when we have a better team I’m one of the worst guys!” he quipped.

“I think our D-core is greatly improved, so that’s probably a big part of it.

“I’m not the guy to skate the puck up the ice and do it myself. I rely on my team mates around me, so I’ve always thought of myself as a complement player.

“I’ll be paired with someone who I can make better by giving them easy options.
“Maybe I’ve just paired up better with the guys this year.”

Isaacs also praised netminder Adam Morrison whose stats are among the best in the Elite League despite the club sitting in last place.

“He’s been really solid back there and quite consistent, and he’s even gotten better over the last few weeks, especially since we got the monkey off our back,” he said.

“When you go through a stretch like that, goalies probably feel the pressure, but he’s handled it very well.

“We talk quite a bit - we’re both in school together - and he was probably too hard on himself, but his stats speak for themselves.”