ECQF Match-Up: New York Islanders Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Seems like I am covering all the teams that haven’t been in the playoffs in a while. The New York Islanders will be facing off versus a tough opponent in the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s no secret that the Pens have loaded up for another lengthy playoff push and don’t plan having having the Isles give them a hard time.
8th seed Eastern Conference
Vs.
1st seed Eastern Conference
Regular Season Wrap-Up
The New York Islanders faced this team 5 times during the regular season going 1-5-0-0. They won the first game and went on to lose the following five. The first place team dominated the Isles pretty much all season long and baring a huge massive Pens collapse, should do the same in the post-season. 17-9 were the goals scored in favour of the Penguins during the regular season over the 6 games played. As mentioned above the only things stopping that attack is the Isles aging goaltender. The Trio of John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Brad Boyes has really been a bright spot for the Long island club and has made their power play what it is today.
March 30, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders center
Casey Cizikas(53) carries the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing
Brenden Morrow(10) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Series Preview
This should be a first series win for the Pens on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. I don’t think that is going overboard, as I’m sure anything but a Finals match-up is a huge disappointment for the Penguins franchise. The Islanders surprised some people this year and were able to make a comeback to the playoffs but that will most likely end with a first round loss to this Eastern conference powerhouse. It is hard to imagine winning against a team that has added players such as Brenden Morrow and Jerome Iginla; and had to put them on their 3rd line.
Difference makers
John Tavares, NYI – Tavares has really grown in this season. Turning himself into a better all around player. He is the face of the franchise and has really owned up to it this season.
Marc-Andre Fleury, PIT – He will ultimately decided how many games this series needs. If he is on his game like we’ve seen him before this series won’t be long but if the other side we’ve seen before is shown during this series, then it has potential to be longer.
Parting Shot
Many people (including myself) are counting out the Isles, but at the same time many people (including myself) are hoping to be wrong and have the Pens either play a long tough series or somehow be eliminated to either tire them out of have them eliminated. The Isles surprised many this season and will hope to continue doing so.
Schedule
Game 1: At Pittsburgh Wednesday May 1st, 7:30 PM ET
Game 2: At Pittsburgh Friday May 3rd, 7:00 PM ET
Game 3: At New York (I) Sunday May 5th, 12:00 PM ET
Game 4: At New York (I) Tuesday May 7th, 7:00 PM ET
*Game 5: At Pittsburgh Thursday May 9th, 7:00 PM ET
*Game 6: At New York (I) Saturday May 11th, TBD
*Game 7: At Pittsburgh Sunday May 12th, TBD
*If Needed
I will only be doing a series overview and not game previews, but look for game recaps as I will be recapping all games!