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New York Islanders: 5 Predictions for Second-Round of NHL Playoffs

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders
Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Garrett Wilson (28) checks New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

– Boychuk continues to struggle

There were a lot of bright spots for the Islanders in the first-round, but defenseman Johnny Boychuk wasn’t one of them. Boychuk is a veteran leader of the Islanders, but he played very poorly against the Panthers, and many times left us asking, where is Boychuk?

Well, Boychuk was on the ice a considerable amount, as he averaged nearly 24 minutes of playing time. Despite playing a lot, Boychuk only totaled eight shots on goal and didn’t record a point in the series. There were a few times that Boychuk made bad turnovers that set up the Panthers on offense, but luckily Greiss was fantastic.

Boychuk was brought in last season to help the Islanders make a run in the playoffs, but so far he hasn’t helped much this postseason. Injuries slowed Boychuk in the regular season, and it certainly looks like he isn’t 100% on the ice. The Lightning have a very talented line with Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Killorn, who are going to need to be slowed down if the Islanders want to win the series. Boychuk is supposed to be one best players on the team, and the Islanders need him to play like that.

Prediction: One point in the series.

Next: Who wins special teams?

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