Pucks and Pitchforks
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Pucks And Pitchforks Return To Play Predictions For Stanley Cup Play-In Round

By Nick Villano

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 07: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 07: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

7. New York Islanders vs. 10. Florida Panthers

Villano: Two Devils fan favorites in Brian Boyle and Andy Greene go head to head in this matchup. The Panthers feel extremely flawed if not terribly talented. The structure put in place on The Island will end up being the winning factor. Islanders in 4.

Parise: This is one of the hardest series to predict. The Islanders have a Stanley Cup-caliber coach behind the bench. They play a very strict defensive game, and it helps them win some games despite sacrificing offense. The Panthers have some high-end skill that likes to attack. The problem for Florida is that Sergei Bobrovsky has been bad since signing his big deal and that might be a major difference. Islanders in 4. 

DeLuca: Florida looked FLAT in there exhibition game on Wednesday. I believe this will be telling in the series and the Islanders will exploit that in quick fashion. Islanders in 4. 

Borges: Sergei Bobrovsky is not the Bobrovsky that he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is not playing like a player who is making $10 million. Matt Barzal shows again that the Islanders have their new future captain further solidifying that they never needed John Tavares to succeed. Islanders in 4.

Studna: This is the classic defense vs. offense matchup. When all is said and done, I think the Islanders will be able to score the bare minimum amount of goals they need while shutting down the Panthers’ high-octane, yet inconsistent offense. Islanders in 3.

Egbert: The Islanders bring depth, discipline, and consistency to the table that the Panthers have nothing close to. Back that up with solid goaltenders and this one will be a clear win for the Islanders. Islanders in 3.

Browne: The Islanders’ defensive style suits them well against the Panthers. While talented offensively, Florida won’t shake their inconsistencies against the playoff tested Islanders. Islanders in 4.

Lebovitz: This January, I was in Florida and saw the Panthers light up the Leafs 9-3. I had no clue the Panthers were that good a team – great skaters, phenomenal passers, solid systems – and if their goaltending stays steady, they are absolutely poised for an upset. Panthers in 5.

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