You know what style you’re getting with the Islanders, and it is not fun to play against. Under coach Barry Trotz, New York plays a structured, defensive game that is bolstered by solid goaltending – so offensive opportunities are limited. This was particularly evident in last year’s first-round sweep of the Penguins and will undoubtedly be the strategy again this time.
While the penalty kill was mid-table, the Islanders did add shorthanded ace Jean-Gabriel Pageau at the trade deadline, and he can strike at any time. Pageau got off to a slow start offensively in New York, though a first-game fight against the hated New York Rangers endeared him to the Isles faithful immediately.