Islanders Playoff Gameday News: Game 1 tonight, here we go
Another year of Aho vs. Aho. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
No one’s picking the Islanders, just the way we like it. This evening, the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes play Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I’m excited to see what kind of fireworks there will be in this rematch of last year’s first-round series because the teams are largely the same—even the players Carolina added the Isles have seen a couple of times already in divisional playoff matches with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. If there’s one thing these two teams have, it’s familiarity.
Yet they certainly look a bit different than last season. Carolina has added a bit of a rush game and an elite power play, while the Islanders play a new style of defense under Patrick Roy.
I can’t name a pundit who has picked the Islanders, and I don’t think there are too many fans who even truly believe the Isles take this—gun to my head, I’d probably take the Canes too. But hockey is a weird, random sport, and a lot can happen in a seven-game series. All the pressure is on Carolina to finally get it done this time, especially since they actually went all-in at the deadline this year. You never know. Maybe it’s the lowered expectations, but I’m not very anxious about today. I’m just enjoying the ride.
Sailing into the eye of the storm. pic.twitter.com/SXKLnGSSYi— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 20, 2024
Islanders News
A preview of this evening’s Game 1 at 5:00 p.m. Reminder that it’s on both local and national TV in the first round, so you can watch on either MSGSN or TBS.
Eric Hornick gives a detailed series preview, citing some of the numbers from last year’s series, as well. [NYI Skinny]
Noah Dobson was a full participant in practice yesterday, and Roy said he’s good to go. That’s huge. J-G Pageau is day-to-day and his status for today is unclear. [Isles DTD | Newsday]
Semyon Varlamov gets the Game 1 start, and he’s earned it. [The Athletic]
Thomas Hickey believes in the Islanders’ fortitude, having been through a lot this season and just overall as a group after all these years. [Newsday]
I cannot wait to watch this team play playoff hockey under Roy’s passionate direction. It’s palpable, and the vibe around everyone has been way better since he got here. In a sport as random as hockey, that can make a difference. [NY Post]
Still, Arthur Staple’s executive, player, and coach don’t think the Canes lose this. [The Athletic]
Stan Fischler says “fooey” to anyone paying attention to the picks. Let the Isles use as bulletin board material everyone treating them as a speed bump on Carolina’s road to a Cup. [THN]
The Islanders announced entry-level contracts for prospects Alex Jefferies and Henrik Tikkanen. Who says the system is barren? [Islanders]
Newly signed college free agent Marshall Warren grew up an Isles fan, and now he’s an Isles prospect. That’s a fun gig, the dream. [Islanders]
Dan and Mike recap the week and look ahead to the various feelings brought on by this particular playoff matchup, previewing the series with guest Arthur Staple. [LHH]
Sparky and owner Jon Ledecky surprised families with playoff tickets. [Islanders | Newsday]
HYPE VIDEO TIME.
Game 1 tonight. Who's ready?#Isles | @UBS pic.twitter.com/XrO5Ae2ddC— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 20, 2024
Elsewhere
No NHL scores, since Thursday was the last day of the regular season and today is the first day of the postseason. The only other playoff game today is Game 1 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. Four more series kick off tomorrow, and the last two kick off Monday.
More series picks where no one picks the Islanders, although Daily Faceoff appears to be a hive mind considering they have four series where all nine individuals picked the same team.
Justin Bourne doesn’t pick the Islanders, either. He says he would’ve liked them against any other team in the field besides the Hurricanes. The matchup game. [Sportsnet]
Chris Johnston with the dramatics of why the Leafs always blow it against the Bruins, with quotes from some of the past guys who did it. [The Athletic]
William Nylander may not be available for Game 1, and considering he’s the only one of the big four to consistently show up in the postseason, that wouldn’t be good for them. Hehe. [TSN]
The league formally announced the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to the NHL and then to the Smith Entertainment Group. [NHL]
At his exit interview, Jacob Markstrom didn’t sound like a guy who was eager to stick around while the Calgary Flames rebuild. [Sportsnet]
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