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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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Apr 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) sets up in front of the Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (1) during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Panthers 2-1 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

– Captain Clutch keeps it going

We have all known how great Tavares has been for the Islanders for the past few years, but the knock on him was that the team hasn’t had any success in the playoffs. Against the Panthers, Tavares looked like a player that just simply wouldn’t take another series loss in the postseason.

Against the Panthers, Tavares totaled five goals, four assists, with a game-winning goal in Game 6. The Game 6 performance was easily the best in the career of Tavares, as he scored the game-tying goal with less than a minute to play in regulation before he ended the game with a great wraparound goal in double overtime.

Like most goalies who are in the postseason, Ben Bishop is very talented and will not be taking Tavares and the Islanders’ offense lightly. Tavares just seems to want success more than anyone else on the ice right now, as he tries to prove that he is one of the best players in the NHL.

Tavares has had a lot of success with Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen on his line, but we have seen Jack Capuano mess with that line a bit recently. No matter who is with Tavares, expect a big performance from the Islanders’ captain.

Prediction: Five goals and five assists.

Next: Do Isles advance?

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