All the inspiration the Islanders need for a big weekend will be there at the Coliseum, from the presence of the Stanley Cup to another celebration of the franchise’s glorious past. But only victories can make today and

tomorrow a success for the Isles.

Struggling to remain above .500 this late into the season isn’t exactly the way former greats such as Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Bobby Nystrom, Bryan Trottier and Bob Bourne remember things around here.

All were present yesterday, along with legendary coach Al Arbour, for the unveiling of their Islanders Hall of Fame plaques, and they had to be wondering when this once-proud franchise will rise again.

Forget four straight Stanley Cup championships, how about making the playoffs for a second straight year? If the Islanders plan to take that small step, home victories against Philadelphia today (2 p.m., FSN, WBBR-1130 AM) and Florida tomorrow seem like a must.

“If we wanted some motivation, this is the perfect weekend,” coach Ted Nolan said as he stood near the visiting Stanley Cup, which included Islander entries from 1980-83.

Thursday’s 5-4 overtime victory at Atlanta ensured the Islanders, who are 10th in the Eastern Conference, wouldn’t lose a third straight game. Now the idea is to assemble a winning streak and make a move on Buffalo and Philly.

The Islanders (31-27-5) have lost three of their four games against the Flyers this season, but began a six-game winning streak by beating Philly (32-25-3) three weeks ago. With only five home games remaining following this weekend, victories the next two days would be a boost for the Isles.

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Rick DiPietro is expected to start in goal today for the Islanders, but is questionable for tomorrow’s game following the death of his grandmother.

mpuma@nypost.com