(6) NY Islanders vs (3) Washington Capitals
Michael: The Capitals lost a game 7 double OT thriller in the first round last year. The Islanders swept the Penguins in the first round, then were swept by the Hurricanes in Round 2. Carlson should be ready for the series after sitting out the 3 round robin games.
Trotz obviously knows his former team very well but the Islanders don’t have the talent the Capitals have. Capitals are near the bottom in the NHL in penalty minutes but the Islanders are near the bottom of the NHL in PP goals. This means the Capitals can take liberties on the Islanders and not worry too much about the Islanders converting PP goals. Finally, the Cup window for the Capitals is starting to close for Ovechkin.
Dave: Capitals will win this series in six games.
Jasmine: Washington in 6 because I refuse to bet against Alex Ovechkin.
Brendan: While the Islanders give up very few goals against, they’ll be no match to Washington’s elite core. New York will put up a strong fight, but it won’t be enough to beat Ovechkin and co.
Alex: This should be a good series as Barry Trotz is coaching against his former team for the first time in the playoffs. Alex Ovechkin is still the best goal scorer in the league and he doesn’t look like he’s slowing down. Washington in 5.
Matt: Washington’s offense was quiet in the round-robin games, scoring no more than two goals in an outing. The Islanders’ defense stifled the Panthers’ offense in the Qualifiers, just as it did to Pittsburgh last season. Their shut down of high flying offenses continues here.