– Greiss Shines
All eyes will be on Thomas Greiss for the Islanders in the net this series, as they will still be without Jaroslav Halak for at least the first round. Greiss has been great overall for this season as mostly a backup, as he has totaled a 23-11-4 record, 2.36 GAA, .925 save percentage, and one shutout.
After becoming the starter, Greiss did have some struggles for a stretch. In the month of March as mostly a starter, Greiss totaled a .909 save percentage, which was his second-worst month of the season. His worst game also came after he was named the starter, as he allowed six goals in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The positive for Greiss is that he allowed just five goals in his last three games of the season.
The lack of playoff experience is the main concern with Greiss, as he only has played in one playoff game, and has never been a starter. If Greiss is able to handle the pressure early on, he shouldn’t have a problem finding the confidence he has built throughout the season. If Greiss struggles, the Islanders will be in a lot of trouble against the Panthers, but he should be confident that he belongs as a starter like his play has proven this season.
Prediction: 2.20 GAA, .925 save percentage in the series.
Next: Who wins?