As John Tavares strategized for his an offensive zone faceoff in Game 1 of the Islanders’ playoff series against the Capitals, Ryan Strome told Tavares he would score on the play, flashing a youthful bravado. After Tavares won the faceoff, Strome launched the puck into the top-left corner of the net, breaking into laughter upon seeing it go in.
“If you call 25 or 30 of them in a row and then get one, it feels good,” Strome said.
Said Tavares: “I wish it was that easy all of the time.”
Entering the series, Strome, 21, Brock Nelson, 23, and Josh Bailey, 25, combined for no goals and just seven playoff games, but the three young forwards haven’t been fazed by a lack of postseason experience.