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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 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The New York Islanders salute their fans after defeating the Florida Panthers 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 /

– Isles win

After a thrilling series win against the Panthers, the Islanders will be carrying a lot of momentum into Tampa Bay on Wednesday for Game 1. The Lightning do have the edge in Game 1 with some extra rest, but the Islanders are on fire, and that is also very valuable.

Maybe most impressively for the Islanders was their success on the road against the Panthers. The Islanders were able to win two games on the road and effectively took away home-ice from the Panthers early on in the series before having a letdown in Game 4 at home.

The injuries to key players on the Lightning might prove to be too much to overcome against a hungry Islanders team that is also a little banged up, but isn’t missing a player with the skill level of Stamkos.

Next: Who was the best Islander of the 2014-15 season?

The Islanders have had success against the Lightning this season with a 2-1 record against them in the regular season. The Islanders are battled tested for close games from their series against the Panthers, and that will help them against an experienced Lightning squad with their red-hot goalie. It should be a very entertaining series once again, as the two teams fight for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction: Islanders win in six games and advance to Eastern Conference Finals.

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