Eastern Conference Preview

The Islanders and Bruins battled down the stretch for supremacy of the Eastern Conference and home ice advantage. New York held firm edging the Bruins and thus open the series at home. There's not much to separate these two teams but I'll try and break them down as best I can.

Eastern Conference Final

After a bit of a scare in the first round against the Devils, The Islanders settled down to play some of the hockey they're known for against a stubborn Toronto squad. In the first 2 games against the Leafs New York showcased their speed and talent exploding for 6 goals in each game. Leading the way was the smooth skating Mika Zibanejad. With 9 goals and 16 points he embodies the type of game head coach Dale Hunter wants from his leaders and I'm sure he couldn't be happier for him. Travis Konecny appears to be finding his way also with 3 goals and 7 assists good for 10 points in 11 games. It helps to have good linemates and Konecny has found great chemistry with Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Matthews for his part is heating up with 7 points in 4 games and the Bruins better be on high alert. New York doesn't simply rely on scoring as this team can play any style of game. The Isles are deep and can roll out 4 lines comfortably and with no fear. The defense bristles with talent with an interesting mix of youth and experience. Vince Dunn ironically acquired from Boston in exchange for Zack Hyman, has really shown he can lead by example. I really like the pairing of him and veteran Justin Faulk. They compliment each other well as does the second pairing of Morgan Rielly and Brandon Montour. New York can play a free wheeling brand of hockey when they have the confidence that their goaltender is more than able to bail them out. Juuse Saros had a little bit of a rocky start but has calmed his game down and has won 5 of his last 6 games. They'll need him to be at his best and I'll tell you why...

His counterpart at the other end of the rink is having a stellar playoff so far. Vitek Vanecek has certainly elevated his game as his numbers would indicate. A GAA of 1.66 and a .935% has him leading all goalies in the playoffs in both categories. He was exceptional especially in the 2 elimination games against Montreal. That deal involving moving Linus Ullmark is looking better every game. While the Bruins have the best goals against stat the one worry I'd have if I were the Bruins head coach would be scoring. Montreal were able to shut out the Bruins twice and I dare say New York are a better team and possess greater fire power. That being said, Brock Nelson has taken the bull by the horns and is showing the kind of leadership that is expected from a player with a letter on his sweater. He took charge when things looked dire and made his presence felt. Roope Hintz is someone who started well but a bruised shoulder will slow anyone down. This being the playoffs it's a given you know he'll play but how hurt is he we won't know until it's over. It's time for Jared McCann and Zack Hyman to step up and it's not like they can't. They both led the the Bruins in goals (McCann) and points (Hyman) so New York had best prepare for them. Boston's defense is their foundation. Like the Islanders, the Bruins also have a nice blend of youth and experience on their blueline. They are led by the dynamic pair of veteran John Carlson and the highly skilled Josh Morrissey. Both have the green light to jump into the play and you know they will. The addition of Aaron Ekblad adds another wrinkle the Isles will have to be wary of. He's paired with Noah Hanifin so there's size and speed there.

As you see there isn't much difference between these two teams and I feel it's the intangibles that may come into play here. Neither of these teams have won a championship, and neither have been to a final (as far as I know). On paper many believe New York have the stronger team and so I believe they'll be motivated to finally earn a final birth and get a chance to hoist a trophy for their worthy gm. On the other hand while on paper the Bruins may not be as strong in my opinion they are no less motivated and they've got all the motivation they need behind the bench. It's no coincidence that Don Cherry is in the running for the Jack Adams Trophy. A player's coach, his team will go through walls for him. So there you have it. What do you think? Will the unstoppable force or the immovable object prevail here?

Prediction: Bruins in 7