Both of these teams pulled off minor upsets in the first round. Boston took down the second place Capitals in 5, and the Islanders knocked off the first place Penguins in an exciting 6 game series. Lets take a look at how they will match up in round 2.
Boston Bruins
Embed from Getty ImagesI took the Capitals to beat the Bruins in 7 in the first round. Boston happily shoved that right down my throat. I knew going in, there was a good chance the Bruins would prevail. What I did not expect was them to take the Caps out in 5 games.
Up front I think the Bruins have a sizeable advantage this round. Everyone knows how good their top line is. It was the second line that really impressed me. Taylor Hall continues to make me eat my words with his excellent play. If that Krejci line keeps rolling like they have been, the B’s are going to be a nightmare to contain. On top of that they have a third line that can beat you down and occasionally chip in offensively. If the Islanders spend a significant amount of time in the box against them, look out.
I give the Bruins a slight advantage on the backend. They are lead by young stud Charlie McAvoy. Outside of him and Grzelcyk this is a very blue collar group. The ability of those two guys to chip in offensively adds a dimension the Islanders lack.
The highest save percentage of all time in the Stanley Cup playoffs is owned by Tuukka Rask. I’ll take him all day.
New York Islanders
Embed from Getty ImagesI shit on the Islanders a bit in an earlier post about how boring they are to watch. There was nothing boring about that game 6 on Long Island. Nassau Coliseum was absolutely rocking. I loved how the fans were all over Crosby and the Penguins. I’m a Sid fan, but who doesn’t love to see a passionate crowd like that. I am 100% on the Isles bandwagon this round.
In that game 6 the Islanders showed their ability to score in bunches, but I am not convinced that will carry over. If they are to have a shot at winning this series the Nelson line will have to pick right up where they left off. For me the x factor of this series is Mathew Barzal. You know the top 6 for the Bruins will be going. Can the Barzal line match that? I think if they can’t produce, this will be a short series. I am a big fan of the bottom 6, particularly the 4th line. Those boys will have to be running Bruin players through the boards every time they step on the ice to make a difference.
Is there a more boring defensive group left standing in the playoffs? Not that they are expected to produce offensively, but man do they put me to sleep. I’m sure that is what Barry Trotz wants. This is the definition of a blue collar group. I think they have a bit too much on their plate in terms of the Bruins top 9. I don’t think they will be able to keep them in check. Maybe for a game, but definitely not the entire series.
In net, Sorokin had an excellent first round. I just don’t think he compares to Rask.
I think the Islanders will surprise us a bit in this series. I definitely feel they will win one game at home. Trotz coached teams always punch above their weight. I just can’t see them beating the Bruins 4 times. Boston in 5.