By Jeremy Fialkow
The Isles v. The Blueshirts: Edition No. 4
The Isles chance of closing the series out look very good. In three previous matches this season, they’ve handled the Rangers fairly well, to say the least.
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They won each game 2-1, 3-1, and then 6-4 in an wild back and forth game, full of offense, excitement, and tons of physicality. Just how it should be.
Simply put, this is a crucial final matchup between the two squads.
With another win by the Islanders, they’ll take an enormous step toward the ultimate New York goal of sending the Rangers down to a measly wild card spot.
Not to mention, a win would bring the first-ever sweep of the season series for the Isles.
Both teams are still in the thick of the playoff race and are able to catch the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2-seed in the Metropolitan Division, meaning home-ice advantage in the first round.
Although, that scenario is heavily unlikely, with the Penguins magic number reaching just two for them to lock up the spot.
Thus, Thursday’s subway series is really a battle for the third seed, and a whole lot of momentum heading into the playoffs.
X-Factor
John Tavares
This man, El Capitan, JT – whatever you want to call him – is truly special.
After a lackluster first-half of the season for the superstar center, Tavares has been kicking butt recently, without a true winger on his line to move the puck with, nonetheless.
In Monday’s 5-2 win over Tampa Bay, Tavares scored a goal and chipped in two assists, allowing him to reach the 30-goal plateau for the third time in his young-yet-tremendous career.
Against Washington, Tuesday, JT added another three points to his season resume, including the game-wining assist in overtime against a historic Washington Capitals team.
Remember, this guy is still only 25-years-old. If they want to sweep the Blueshirts, The Captain is going to need to step up.
Ryan Pulock
The guy everyone was begging and screaming to see is finally making moves on the ice for a professional hockey team, and luckily, it’s the Isles.
When Head Coach Jack Capuano gives him the playing time, Pulock always seems to come up huge.
After being reinserted into the lineup, the 21-year-old phenom defender showed exactly why fans call for his name instead of Brian Strait…who is flat-out terrible.
His snapshot has gross power behind it, simply terrifying. Pulock rewarded Capuano for playing him as he scored his second goal of the season of the season in Monday’s win.
Still, JT not only needs a little defensive help to beat the Rangers, but Pulock can also provide much needed shots-on-goal in the offensive zone.
Look for him to have a big game Thursday.
Keys to Win
Survive the Injuries
Everyone knows the Isles have been hampered with injuries.
Their starting goalie, Jaroslav Halak, is done for the season, leaving backup Thomas Greiss to do the dirty work in net, and he’s been on top of his game as a backup-turned-starter. His save percentage on the season sits at .924%, with a 2.36 GAA.
That’s not all.
Now, at the worst time, Travis Hamonic gets injured and he’s also done for the regular season. An injury to The Hammer means more playing time for Pulock, which isn’t all so bad, but he’s a vital part to the Islander machine.
All season long, the Isles have been battered and beaten, but, still they are a playoff team, that much is certain.
The 4th Line
Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck have been a true saving grace for the Isles this year.
Known for bringing endless energy and hits galore, the fourth line is now chipping in with slightly-consistent offensive production. Not to mention, Martin leads the league in hits, as always.
Leading the way is Clutterbuck, the true heart of the Isles, who missed Tuesday’s playoff-clinching game with an undisclosed injury. He has 23 points on the season.
A big showing of physical prowess from this line could spell victory in a big New York – New York matchup
Prediction
Islanders 3, Rangers 1
Simply put, physicality and good goaltending will win the game for the Isles.
It always has, and always will.
The Blueshirts are battered, slightly more so than the Isles, with their captain Ryan McDonough out for the season and, now, Dan Girardi appearing as if he won’t suit up.
So, both teams are without a few important pieces of their teams, and both have, nevertheless, won two games in a row.
Coming off an insane come from behind victory of a historic Capitals on Tuesday proved the Islanders are heading full steam ahead into the postseason.
All season long, the Islanders are the blue-and-orange kryptonite for the Rangers, plain and simple.
In three previous games between the two sides, the Rangers have really only come near victory once.
Regardless of the outcome, Thursday’s brawl should be an epic matchup between the two New York squads with guts, grit, and a helluva playoff atmosphere at the Garden.