(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders
Season series: Pittsburgh won 4-1-0
They have a history: The Penguins and Islanders haven’t met in a playoff series in 20 years, but their 1993 Patrick Division finals meeting is still memorable. New York unseated the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions in seven games, finding a way to slow a roster full of future-Hall of Famers.
For the Penguins to win: It would be easy to say Pittsburgh simply needs to show up to beat the Islanders, but if one looks back to that series 20 years ago, he’d know anything is possible. Pittsburgh needs to slow New York’s top line of Matt Moulson, John Tavares and Brad Boyes. The Penguins flamed out against the Philadelphia Flyers in last year’s first round, failing to slow the offensive-minded Flyers. If Pittsburgh struggles defensively again, the Islanders can compete and maybe pull off the upset again.
Make your predictions with PLAYOFF HOCKEY PICK ‘EM and win.
For Islanders to win: For David to slay Goliath, New York can start by winning Game 1. The Islanders also need to play strong defense against the Pens’ embarrassment of offensive riches. New York surrendered 139 regular-season goals — the most of any playoff team. James Neal returned in Pittsburgh’s season finale, and Sidney Crosby is likely to return for Game 1. Those two complement Evgeni Malkin, Jarome Iginla, Chris Kunitz, Jussi Jokinen and the rest of the Pens’ high-flying offense nicely. Evgeni Nabakov must be outstanding, and Moulson-Tavares-Boyes will have to light the lamp. That line gained nine points in five games against Pittsburgh.
Matchup to watch: Nabakov vs. Pittsburgh’s offence. The Islanders’ defence struggled this year — the unit was a combined minus-8 — and the 37-year-old netminder is one of the few Isles with playoff experience. Can Nabakov steal this series? The 37-year-old netminder has a 40-38 career postseason record, posting a 2.29 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in 80 playoff games. New York will need its goaltender to get hot and steal some games, and Nabakov is certainly capable.
Big question: Can Marc-Andre Fleury rebound from his dreadful postseason performance in 2012? Fleury’s goals-against average (4.63) from Pittsburgh’s six-game series loss to Philadelphia resembles a mediocre pitcher’s earned-run average. The Islanders’ offence is no slouch, and if Fleury can’t shake his postseason problems, Pittsburgh could be in trouble.
Best bet: Penguins in five.
by Pat Pickens
Hockey Central insider predictions
Chris Johnston: Penguins
Mike Keenan: Penguins
Nick Kypreos: Penguins
Brad May: Penguins
Doug MacLean: Penguins
Scott Morrison: Penguins
John Shannon: Penguins
[polldaddy poll=7068396]
