playoffs: 2019-20 | ECQR | (7) New York Islanders vs. (10) Florida Panthers

(7) New York Islanders vs. (10) Florida Panthers

REGULAR SEASON RECORDS:

Islanders: 35-23-10, 80 points (.588)

Panthers: 35-26-8, 78 points (.565)

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

New York 3-0-0

Oct. 12: Islanders 3, Panthers 2 (SO), at NYI

Nov. 9: Islanders 2, Panthers 1, at NYI

Dec. 12: Islanders 3, Panthers 1, at FLA

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[td]WHAT'S CHANGED:[/td]

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[td]Islanders: Center Casey Cizikas and defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Adam Pelech (Achilles tendon) will be healthy when play resumes. Cizikas missed the last 13 games before the season was paused with a lacerated leg. Boychuk missed the last three games because of a facial injury, and Pelech has not played since Dec. 31.[/td]

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[td]Panthers: Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will be available after missing the last four games before the pause because of a lower-body injury. Forward Brian Boyle, who missed the last 19 games with an upper-body injury, also is expected to be ready.[/td]

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[td]ANALYSIS:[/td]

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[td]"There's an argument to be made that the Islanders and Panthers each underachieved this season, but this five-game series presents an opportunity to change opinions. The Islanders will be deeper at center with the return of Cizikas. The difference could be Bobrovsky, who has been disappointing in the first season of his seven-year contract with the Panthers (23-19-6, 3.23 GAA, .900 save percentage). This series represents a chance for him to turn it around."[/td]

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https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-return-to-play-eastern-conference/c-317029512[/td]

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