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New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers: 5 Players To Watch For

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 27, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save against New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) as defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) looks on in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save against New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) as defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) looks on in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers: 5 Players To Watch For
Mar 7, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) scores a goal psat Florida Panthers goalie Dan Ellis (39) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

John Tavares

John Tavares had a down year for his standards, as his numbers dropped across the board. He scored five less goals and handed out 11 less assists this season than last season, but still managed to lead the Islanders in points with 70. If the Islanders are to knock off the Panthers and pull off the upset, they will need Tavares to step his play up.

That is exactly what he did towards the end of the season, as Tavares stepped his game up when the Islanders needed victories the most. Tavares registered at least one point in eight of the last 10 games of the regular season, racking up seven goals and seven assists, half of which were multi-point games.

Tavares is coming into the postseason riding a hot streak, as he has scored at least one point in four consecutive games heading into the series against the Panthers. It could be a tough time for Tavares to get going against the Panthers, as he recorded only one assist against them in three regular season games.

He will have to end that cold streak against the Panthers if the Islanders are to have any chance of knocking them off in Round 1.

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