There are a few matchups already set for the upcoming NHL Playoffs. We know for sure that the Colorado Avalanche will be matching up against the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders will begin against the Carolina Hurricanes.
For the record, I think the Avalanche will defeat the Jets by a narrow margin. We recently wrote how we believe Justus Annunen will take over as the starter for the Colorado Avalanche and lead them far in the playoffs. You can read that article here!
The Islanders vs Hurricanes – This is where I keep going back and forth. If I had to pick today, I’m taking the Islanders and here’s why. The Islanders have had to play excellent hockey to even clinch a playoff birth. When Patrick Roy took over as the head coach, the Islanders were on the outside looking in. They have been really good since Roy has come in and I think their high level of play continues into the playoffs.
There are a couple key areas where I like the Islanders better than the Canes. One of those areas is goaltending. Ilya Sorokin is elite! He is capable of single handedly winning the Islanders the series. I’m not as confident in unproven Pyotr Kochetkov.
Another difference maker in the series is defenseman Noah Dobson. Dobson is a top 5 defenseman in the league. The Hurricanes as a whole are solid defensively but in my opinion I don’t think they have a difference maker on the back end.
I think the elite play of Sorokin and Dobson will be evident and is why I’m taking the Islanders to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes.
Who do you think wins the series? Comment below!
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