Series Talk: ECQF: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders (CAR Leads 3-1)

[JKG33]

Having a good goalie in all 82 games helps teams make the playoffs. Maybe he chose that instead of being a starter on a non-playoff team?

Hey like I said good for the Isles. But he could easily be the undisputed starter on some good playoff teams like Edmonton (ok I get why he wouldn't wanna go there), LA or Colorado

 

[wonton15]

Might be the only sweep in the first round

 

[LuLover96]

You know what, I think this round has a ton of interesting storylines.

1) Goaltending - This is a huge topic for both teams. Varlamov has stolen the net from one of the best goalies in the league, but it still remains to be seen if Roy plays Sorokin in game 1. Either way, I say they have the advantage in net. For the Canes, that's their biggest Achilles Heel. For the Canes, whether or not they'll have stability in net is a recurring theme with the likes of Kotchetkov, Raanta and Anderson giving Carolina a revolving door of Vezina calibre play, injuries, and bad outings.

2) Carolina's contracts - Take a look at the capfriendly page, it's absolutely nuts to see how many new guys are fighting for a new contract or fighting for a raise. Of note, there's Teravainen, Necas, Drury, Jarvis, Skjei, Pesce, DeAngelo, Chatfield and of course, Guentzel. Desperation can create diamonds out of some of these guys, but it can also create mistakes. On the other hand, NY has the entire core locked in long term.

3) The metro sucks - We all know the metro's been terrible this year, so Carolina hasn't really needed to play meaningful hockey in months. They had no way of knowing who they'd face, but home ice advantage was never really in doubt. New York's been playing playoff do-or-die hockey since Patty Roy was brought in. Not to mention, they've been severely underscoring compared to their offensive metrics since the ASB, so if the pucks start going in then they'll be a force. Yes the Canes are 8-2-0 in the last ten, but these games have been fictitious for them. NY are 8-1-1, so it's two of the three hottest teams in the league facing off against one another (Dallas is 8-2-0 int their last 10)

Honestly, I think we see an upset here. Guentzel isn't enough to overcome the goaltending concerns and I seriously think the Isles are going in with the confidence and goaltending to pull this off. I also can't forget Bo being GPG in the bubble and think he'll pop off similarly again.

I predict Isles win in 5, but that 2-3 of those games go to OT. Carolina management are left wondering what to do, and if this core has what it takes to show up in the moments that count.

 

[boredmale]

Hey like I said good for the Isles. But he could easily be the undisputed starter on some good playoff teams like Edmonton (ok I get why he wouldn't wanna go there), LA or Colorado

I can't speak for Varlamov, but given his injury history maybe he is just saying maybe better to play a lighter schedule and extend his career a couple years, either that or maybe he just likes NY(although I would have to guess NJ probably tried to make an offer in the summer)

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

5th largest net differential post-lockout.

Tampa - Ottawa 2006 (111)
Florida - Boston 2023 (111)
Edmonton - Detroit 2006 (91)
Montreal - Washington 2010 (91)

 

[IronCladCane]

This will be decided on the PP. Our PK has been ass. Our PP is ehhh...even more so if Dobson isnt good to go.

And you face the Canes #1 PK and #2 PP

 

[Wolfpuck]

I picked Canes in 5, but every single game is going to be f*** ugly hockey.

 

[miscs75]

The real question: how long into that series will we see a Rod meltdown on the refs?

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

Gotta think Varlamov starts Game #1 with the roll he is on.

The NHL’s current playoff format. Go back to seeding 1-8 and add a play in round tomorrow

These teams would be facing off in a 1 vs 8 seeding based on the current standings. Canes would be 2nd seed, Isles 7th seed.

 

[boredmale]

And you face the Canes #1 PK and #2 PP

Thank god they are more likely to throw away the whistle int he playoffs. lol

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Might be the only sweep in the first round

I think Carolina can steal a game or 2

 

[Mr Kot]

I have islanders in sweep in 5

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

5th largest net differential post-lockout.

Tampa - Ottawa 2006 (111)
Florida - Boston 2023 (111)
Edmonton - Detroit 2006 (91)
Montreal - Washington 2010 (91)

will be 6th behind Rags and whoever their opponent is though, no?

edit: scratch that, only if it is Rags/Caps

 

[IronCladCane]

Thank god they are more likely to throw away the whistle int he playoffs. lol

Last years Canes Isles averaged 6 PPs per game.... The Canes also lead the league in XGF 5 v 5

 

[IronCladCane]

I expect Carolina to dominate. They've been the best team in the league since the new year I believe.

Correct, and 23-4-1 since the beginning of march

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

Canes goaltending has been terrific in the 2nd half. I get the skepticism about Andersen based on the past, but Kochetkov really should be getting more love for what he's done. Since the season turned around in Ottawa on 12/12: .923/2.05 over 30 starts. He has the draft pedigree to match. Canes fans/media don't do good enough of a job hyping him up.

 

[M2Beezy]

The lack of Islanders in 4 votes is startling

Regardless I voted Canes in 6....might change it later to 5

 

[MattMartin]

I would be SHOCKED if this goes to 6 games.

Canes in 5.

Weird, you voted in 4, you're slipping.

I picked Carolina in 6

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

This is a bit of a trap series for the Canes. Everybody expects them to win - and rightfully so.

But it also means pressure is on them. They loaded up at the trade deadline. Losing would be a disaster.

Last year it never felt like the Isles were going to win the series, which is why it's easy to forget that they still won a game and the Canes needed overtime twice.

You just never know. If the Isles get something magical going, whether it be goaltending or just bounces, it could be tight.

But yeah, the Canes are the better team obviously. I hope this is their year.

 

[IronCladCane]

Canes goaltending has been terrific in the 2nd half. I get the skepticism about Andersen based on the past, but Kochetkov really should be getting more love for what he's done. Since the season turned around in Ottawa on 12/12: .923/2.05 over 30 starts. He has the draft pedigree to match. Canes fans/media don't do good enough of a job hyping him up.

The "doubt" is just people speaking on things they haven't a clue about Freddie has been a .935 sub 2 gaa goaltender for us In past playoffs and if he hadn't had the blood clotting issues he would be the hands down Veniza winner with the way he's played this year.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Weird, you voted in 4, you're slipping.

I picked Carolina in 6

Yea, changed my mind. Canes pound them each game.

 

[DaveG]

The real question: how long into that series will we see a Rod meltdown on the refs?

game 2

 

[MattMartin]

Yea, changed my mind. Canes pound them each game.

I will give you this, you are one salty fella.

 

[tarheelhockey]

I expect the Islanders will try to slow the pace and make this a bunch of 1-0, 2-1 type games. That’s their best path to an upset.

Won’t be very entertaining for neutrals, but it will be a high-tension series for those who are emotionally invested.

 

[Canes]

I think Aho will have a big series.

Aho fo sho.