Stanley Cup Playoffs roundtable: Play-in round predictions

(7) New York Islanders vs. (10) Florida Panthers

Brendan: Since taking over the Islanders, Barry Trotz has instituted a stout defensive system that will be put to the test here against a great offensive team in Florida. Sergei Bobrovsky did struggle this season, but we all know what a goaltender of his caliber could do in the postseason. I liked the addition of Pageau for the postseason, and I believe that he will help contribute to the Islanders’ lackluster offense here. This one will be close, but I like the Islanders to win in five.

Stefen: The New York Islanders and the Florida Panthers are complete polar opposites when it comes to game style, which should make this series a must-watch. Both teams also rode hot starts to get to this point, struggling down the stretch.

While the Islanders have struggled to score goals, the Panthers have not scored 3.30 goals per game to the Islanders 2.78. However, the Panthers have allowed 3.25 goals per game, as Bobrovsky has truly struggled in his first season in Florida.

With the return of the Islanders’ best defenseman in Adam Pelech and the momentum-creator in fourth-line center Casey Cizikas, the Islanders will have the players that led while the team enjoyed a 10-game win streak and 17-game point streak earlier in the year.

If Bobrovsky can turn it on as we saw in last year’s playoffs, this has the chance to go five games. The Islanders have success when they play their game, and I think with the return of top players, the Islanders go in with the momentum which will carry them to a series victory.

Dave: This series is pretty evenly matched until you look at the goaltending. The Panthers have a better offense while the Islanders have a better defense. Even without Ilya Sorokin (who is going to be a stud), I’ll take Semyon Varlamov and Thomas Greiss over Sergei Bobrovsky every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

That said, Joel Quenneville’s an impossible man to bet against in the postseason. This is going to be my bold prediction, so… Panthers in five. Florida finally gets revenge for what happened in 2016.

Colton: Islanders in five.

Matt: Panthers in five.

Emmanuel: Islanders in four.

Elias: Islanders in four.

Kyle: Panthers in three.

Jasmine: Islanders in four.