2016 NHL Futures – Series Picks
Looking for Panthers vs. Islanders free series predictions & playoff picks? You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for NHL Futures. It almost seems like it wouldn’t be an NHL Playoffs without the Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders meeting. Cappers Picks covers all 2016 NHL Playoff series – so check back as we’ll be adding more.
NHL Lines & Matchup Insight
NHL Betting – Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders First Round Series Preview and Picks
This matchup could be one of the more exciting first round matchups. You get a Florida Panthers team who wasn’t expected to be anything this season, but they continued to be prove everyone wrong.
The Panthers never went away even went things would go cold. On the Islanders side of things this team has showcased the ability to be one of the most dangerous offensive teams. They are also extremely physical and are never out of a game despite the score.
Florida will be making their 2nd playoff appearance in the past 15 years. Is this their chance to move past the first round? Let’s break it down.
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Series Lines
Florida Panthers -155
New York Islanders +135
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Series Schedule
- THU APR 14, 2016 ISLANDERS PANTHERS 8:00 PM MSG+, CNBC, SN, TVAS2
- FRI APR 15, 2016 ISLANDERS PANTHERS 7:30 PM MSG+, NHLN-US, SN360, TVAS3
- SUN APR 17, 2016 PANTHERS ISLANDERS 8:00 PM MSG+, NBCSN, SN, TVAS2
- WED APR 20, 2016 PANTHERS ISLANDERS 8:00 PM MSG+, USA, SN, TVAS2
- FRI APR 22, 2016 ISLANDERS PANTHERS TBD MSG+
- SUN APR 24, 2016 PANTHERS ISLANDERS TBD TICKETS
- TUE APR 26, 2016 ISLANDERS PANTHERS TBD MSG+
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Series Forwards
The Panthers front line of Jagr, Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau has been the best 1st line this team has had in many years. They continued to produce and find the back of the net as they would really set the tone for most games in the first period.
For the first time in franchise history the Panthers had 4 players with 25 goals or more. This is a different Panthers team than people have seen in the past, as they are much more dangerous and have the ability to strike at any moment.
The Islanders are right there with them. They had 4 players with 20 goals or more, but as usual they were led by Captain John Tavares. Him, along with Kyle Okposo and Brock Nelson, who had 26 goals, will lead the offense here in this series.
Verdict: The Panthers did have the more impressive offense of the two teams, but the Islanders have much more experience behind Tavares and Okposo as they’ve been in this position many times.
These teams are very similar offensively to one another. They both like to keep the puck in the opponents zone and work it around until they find the best available shot. Edge goes to New York here simply on experience.
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Series Defense and Goaltending
Aaron Ekblad and Brian Campbell both had successful seasons and were paired with one another this season.
The duo ended up being one of the best defensive pairs in the Eastern Conference. They both like to push the puck and what makes them so good is their ability to find the net offensively.
They both have the mentality that they can score, which gives the Panthers a giant edge. G Roberto Luongo finished the season 35-19-6 with a GAA of just 2.35.
The Islanders defense could have a major blown with Travis Harmonic being out to start the series off. Harmonic missed last seasons series loss to Washington and was injured once again on March 31st.
He’ll be checked out prior to the start of the series before officially being ruled out. Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk will have insurmountable amounts of pressure on them if Hamonic does not come back.
G Thomas Greiss will get the nod with Halak still injured and out. Greiss has been solid in stepping in, but does have just one playoff appearance under his belt.
Verdict: Given the injuries to the Islanders, edge goes to Florida here. New York will need a lot of players to step up defensively to help ease the nerves of Greiss, who just doesn’t have enough experience to avoid those postseason nerves.
Panthers vs. Islanders Free Series Predictions:
This will be a fight. Both teams are gritty and want this more than anything. They key will be defensively as the Islanders will need many players to step up with the amount of injuries they have sustained.
If they can do that, combined with their playoff experience they have, New York can move on.
New York in 7.
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