It’s another Islanders’ game day At 12:00 PM EST, the Islanders look to finish off the 3-0 sweep of the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Qualifying series in their quest for the Stanley Cup. Prior to the first and second games of the series, some of our writers predicted who would win in the series and in how many games. In this article, we will see if any of their picks changed after their dominant performance.

Ben Baruch: Islanders sweep the Panthers

The Isles are just too much for Florida to handle. This was Florida’s chance to make a dent in the series but they couldn’t. The Islanders have the momentum and can only get better after a strong showing Tuesday. I expect Florida to come out strong again on Wednesday. Even though it won’t be easy, I think the Islanders will sweep the Panthers and punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Will Wiegelman: Islanders sweep the Panthers

The Islanders scored four goals in a game. That offensive output cannot be matched by the Panthers. Both goals they gave up were in man-down situations, one right after a power play ended. five-on-five, the Islanders have absolutely dominated. If Eberle is getting into form and all four lines can get going, this is a sweep.

David Lazar: Islanders sweep the Panthers

For the first time this series, I am changing my prediction. The Islanders have dominated thus far, mastering multiple styles of hockey. In Game 1, they led early and did not let up. In Game 2, they surged back after two early deficits. This team looks exactly like they did in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and I have no reason to believe they will lose Game 3. Up and down the lineup, this team is thriving, from Jordan Eberle to Anthony Beauvillier, to Josh Bailey, to Tom Kuhnhackl, to Jean-Gabriel Pageau to Matt Martin. With four lines rolling, elite team defense, and a strong goaltending tandem, the Islanders are for real and I think they sweep the Panthers this afternoon in Toronto, joining the Hurricanes as teams that survived the Qualifying Round.

Shawn D’Aversa: Islanders sweep the Panthers

With how this series has been going, the Islanders have a good chance of finishing it off in three games. Florida’s top gunners such as Johnathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov have been relatively quiet, due to the Islanders’ shutdown defense. In both Games 1 and 2, the Panthers went on a ten-minute stretch without recording a shot on goal. The Islanders’ defense is better than ever, and as the Panthers have struggled to generate offense, they have become frustrated and undisciplined. As a result, the Islanders have three power-play goals on the series and have been stronger with special teams. While Bobrovsky has given Florida a chance, they are currently standing on their last leg, and it is unlikely that the Islanders’ defensive structure will be matched.

Christian Gardecki: Islanders win in Four

The Islanders have looked solid so far in the series, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Panthers sneak one by and get a win. Due to the back-to-back, the Islanders may put Thomas Greiss in net, and it being another afternoon game, they could potentially come out sluggish once again. This is just what I think, but anything can happen in the expanded Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Make sure to watch the Islanders take on the Panthers in Game 3 as they try to finish off the Panthers!

SEF