2016 NHL Futures – Series Picks
Looking for Lightning vs. Islanders free series predictions & playoff picks? You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for NHL Futures. While the Lightning had very little problems with the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round of the NHL Playoffs. Cappers Picks covers all 2016 NHL Playoff series – so check back as we’ll be adding more.
NHL Lines & Matchup Insight
NHL Betting – Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders First Round Series Preview and Picks
The Tampa Bay Lightning got a little extra rest as they handled the Red Wings with rather ease in Round 1. The Lightning took down the Red Wings in 5 games and despite losing Game 2, they really never found themselves in danger of losing the momentum in the series.
As for the Islanders, they had to scrape and claw their way to a first round win. After going back and forth with the Panthers, New York grabbed a double overtime win in front of their home fans in Game 6 to secure a series win.
This matchup will feature two very scrappy teams that really play a physical game. They’ll be nothing friendly about this matchup.
Who’s got the edge? Let’s break it down.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Series Lines
- Tampa Bay Lightning -160
- New York Islanders +140
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Series Schedule
- WED APR 27, 2016 ISLANDERS LIGHTNING 7:00 PM MSG+, CNBC
- Rest of Schedule TBD
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Series Forwards
With Steven Stamkos out, the Tampa Bay Lightning knew they would need to find production somewhere. What has been a theme for them all season came about in the first round against the Red Wings.
Alex Killorn, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov were the best line of any team in the first round of the playoffs. The trio scored 10 of the Lightning’s 12 goals in the first round.
The key here will be who else can produce should this trio not have as much production.
For the Islanders, it was the Captain, Jonathan Tavares who carried the team. He has shown he has the ability to put the team on his back and carry them, which is something not many NHL players can do.
The Captain had 5 goals and 4 assists and tied things up in Game 6 with under a minute to play. He makes his teammates better, including Kyle Okposo, who had a goal and 5 assists in the first round.
Verdict: Stamkos did start to practice and while he hasn’t been given the green light to go, we could see him at some point in this series. Still, the Islanders get the advantage here as Tavares is that guy who can change the series. With the Islanders having more depth to rely on, they have a stronger edge in the scoring threat department.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Series Defense and Goaltending
In five games with the Red Wings, the Lightning only conceded 8 goals overall.
Victor Hedman and Matt Carle are the duo that really held firm in the back. They logged significant ice minutes and both found themselves on the ice late in games during crunch time.
With G Ben Bishop really holding the fort down in the back, this Lightning defense is really dangerous. Bishop was asked to do a lot, especially in Game 5, but answered the call every time. He’ll certainly be tested much more with all the weapons the Islanders have.
For New York, they rely on Nick Leddy and Travis Hamonic. Leddy especially, really logged the minutes that the Islanders needed. He not only was clutch defensively down the stretch of games and in overtimes, but he also contributed on the offensive end.
Leddy finished the first round with 3 assists, as he poses a serious threat inside the opposing team’s blue line.
In goal, Thomas Greiss came up absolutely huge. He held just a 1.79 GAA in the series overall and had a save percentage of .944.
Verdict: The goalie situation is extremely close. Greiss and Bishop are both game changers and really came up clutch in the first rounds. A major difference here is the ability of the Islanders defense to strike offensively.
If they continue to produce like they did in Round 1, New York will be tough to beat.
Lightning vs. Islanders Free Series Predictions:
This series can go either way.
Both teams have the ability to score in bunches, but they also like to control the puck and really win the time of possession.
It’s almost expected a couple of these games are destined for overtime, which makes this series a coin flip. Give the slight advantage to the Islanders because of their defense.
They can produce much more than just blocked shots and steals.
New York in 7.
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