2017 iNHL Playoff, Round 2 Preview: Pt 2, Eastern Conference
May 28, 2016 6:48:13 GMT -5
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Post by bjernagris (PHI) on May 28, 2016 6:48:13 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers – New York Islanders
The Preview
After a surprisingly easy first round for both these teams, expect a lot tighter series when two of the Metropolitan Division titans clash. The Flyers had no problems blanking a penalty-prone Red Wings team in the first round, and the classic question of rest versus rust is warranted here since they have not seen any game action for a week. Like they have done all season, Philadelphia will look to build on a strong defense and few mistakes, and their offensive blueliners (Klingberg, Streit and Savard had 13 points in the first round) are key to win against the Islanders. After missing playoffs last season the reincarnated Islanders team put in an impressive performance in the first round, ousting the star-packed Capitals in five games. Led by superstar John Tavares, the Long Island team has one of the most potent offenses in the iNHL. However, some questionmarks around the defense remain, with the Islanders letting up 14 goals across the five first-round games. They were also ranked among the higher in the league in giveaways during regular season. The teams played 2-2 during regular season, so expect an even series where the team with the best form wins.
The Storyline
Having won 14 of their last 15, can the Islanders keep riding their crazy form into the Conference Finals?
The Key Player, Flyers
Tuukka Rask – going up against one of the league’s best offenses, Rask will be put to the test and need to preserve the stellar form he had in the first round.
The Key Player, Islanders
Ryan Strome – flanking Tavares on the Islanders’ deadly top line, Strome will need to find keys to open up the impenetrable Flyers D.
The Prediction
Islanders in seven
Ottawa Senators – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Preview
As predicted, the Senators had little trouble sending the Penguins on vacation in the first round. Despite seeing solid center Brandon Dubinsky go down with injury, they blanked Pittsburgh in an impressive fashion. Erik Karlsson showed why he is the favorite to win the Norris Trophy, netting 4 goals and plaguing the Pens D while keeping mistakes to a minimum. Facing a team with a similarly talented offense and slightly better defense, the Sens need to keep playing at the level they did in the first round in order to win. The Lightning took care of business in six games against the Bruins, after going down by two early in the series. Changing goalies did the trick for them in turning the series around; Ben Bishop came in and won four straight for Tampa, displaying impressive performances throughout. The Tampa D will need to continue their solid play if they are to stand a chance against the punishing Ottawa offense. At the same time their offense need to click, particularly their secondary scoring; for example Tyler Johnson only had one goal in the first round.
The Storyline
In what could be his last year in the iNHL, will Chris Phillips’ former teammates end his Cup dreams?
The Key Player, Senators
Kyle Turris – Sens’ coach Dave Cameron turn to underrated center Turris to shut down opposing offences, and going up against talent like Stamkos, Drouin and Johnson, his services will be needed more than ever
The Key Player, Lightning
Ben Bishop – the scapegoat for Lightning’s early playoff demise last year proved his critics wrong in the first round, and will need to come up bigger than ever if the Lightning are to defeat the mighty Sens
The Prediction
Senators in five
The Preview
After a surprisingly easy first round for both these teams, expect a lot tighter series when two of the Metropolitan Division titans clash. The Flyers had no problems blanking a penalty-prone Red Wings team in the first round, and the classic question of rest versus rust is warranted here since they have not seen any game action for a week. Like they have done all season, Philadelphia will look to build on a strong defense and few mistakes, and their offensive blueliners (Klingberg, Streit and Savard had 13 points in the first round) are key to win against the Islanders. After missing playoffs last season the reincarnated Islanders team put in an impressive performance in the first round, ousting the star-packed Capitals in five games. Led by superstar John Tavares, the Long Island team has one of the most potent offenses in the iNHL. However, some questionmarks around the defense remain, with the Islanders letting up 14 goals across the five first-round games. They were also ranked among the higher in the league in giveaways during regular season. The teams played 2-2 during regular season, so expect an even series where the team with the best form wins.
The Storyline
Having won 14 of their last 15, can the Islanders keep riding their crazy form into the Conference Finals?
The Key Player, Flyers
Tuukka Rask – going up against one of the league’s best offenses, Rask will be put to the test and need to preserve the stellar form he had in the first round.
The Key Player, Islanders
Ryan Strome – flanking Tavares on the Islanders’ deadly top line, Strome will need to find keys to open up the impenetrable Flyers D.
The Prediction
Islanders in seven
Ottawa Senators – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Preview
As predicted, the Senators had little trouble sending the Penguins on vacation in the first round. Despite seeing solid center Brandon Dubinsky go down with injury, they blanked Pittsburgh in an impressive fashion. Erik Karlsson showed why he is the favorite to win the Norris Trophy, netting 4 goals and plaguing the Pens D while keeping mistakes to a minimum. Facing a team with a similarly talented offense and slightly better defense, the Sens need to keep playing at the level they did in the first round in order to win. The Lightning took care of business in six games against the Bruins, after going down by two early in the series. Changing goalies did the trick for them in turning the series around; Ben Bishop came in and won four straight for Tampa, displaying impressive performances throughout. The Tampa D will need to continue their solid play if they are to stand a chance against the punishing Ottawa offense. At the same time their offense need to click, particularly their secondary scoring; for example Tyler Johnson only had one goal in the first round.
The Storyline
In what could be his last year in the iNHL, will Chris Phillips’ former teammates end his Cup dreams?
The Key Player, Senators
Kyle Turris – Sens’ coach Dave Cameron turn to underrated center Turris to shut down opposing offences, and going up against talent like Stamkos, Drouin and Johnson, his services will be needed more than ever
The Key Player, Lightning
Ben Bishop – the scapegoat for Lightning’s early playoff demise last year proved his critics wrong in the first round, and will need to come up bigger than ever if the Lightning are to defeat the mighty Sens
The Prediction
Senators in five