2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Full second-round predictions

Islanders vs. Hurricanes

This should be a very fun series. It’s not the grudge match between the Capitals and Barry Trotz, but it’s a bunch of jerks going up against a bunch of New Yorkers. And for once, the former and the latter aren’t the same.

The Islanders have two significant advantages in this series. First of all, Robin Lehner is light years better than Petr Mrazek. Even if Lehner fails, backup goalie Thomas Greiss put up incredible numbers against the Hurricanes this season. There’s also their defense and physicality. Carolina’s likely a bit tired after facing the Capitals for seven games. I think the Islanders can and will give them a heavy dose of hits and chippiness.

The Hurricanes have the offense, though, to at least challenge the Isles. For some reason, the Penguins were committed to trying to beat the Islanders at their game. Carolina likely won’t take the bait.

Prediction: Islanders in six. Here’s something fun – Games 6 and 7 will be on back to back nights and the teams will be traveling. For the sake of dignity, let’s hope it’s over before what would most likely be the sloppiest Game 7 in NHL history.