Unfortunately, the Isles weren’t able to complete the sweep against the Panthers on Wednesday. A few silly mistakes across the ice made New York fall 3-2 to Florida. Will the Islanders be able to wrap up the series today?

Ben Baruch: Islanders win in 4

The Isles made a few mistakes in Game 3 and they couldn’t complete the sweep. Florida capitalized on Semyon Varlamov’s fatigue and at many times, the Islanders looked lost. However, they looked like the better team throughout much of the game. Given how well the Islanders had played before Game 3, they should be able to wrap this series up on Friday.

Will Wiegelman: Islanders win in 4

The Islanders took a step back in Game 3. It was inevitable. However, there are positives to take away. 5 on 5 has been controlled by New York and the third line looks amazing. What they need is for the top six, especially Mat Barzal, to start producing. Once they get that, they’ll be unstoppable. Mistakes and penalties are also hurting them tremendously. Look for Barry Trotz to fix these issues before they take the ice on Friday.

Ben Kule: Islanders win in 5

Although I picked Isles in 4, if I’m being realistic I think it will take 5 games. Although there were only a few minutes of the game where the Islanders were truly outplayed, they never seem to recoup from losses very well. I expect Florida to continue with the chip on their shoulder and take game 4 in another close one, likely either coming down to the final horn or going to overtime. It’s very possible the Isles send Florida packing in game 4, but their top guys need to come through in a way they haven’t in the first 2 games. Barzal is the man with all the eyes. He’s been our best player for at least two seasons, but fans are still waiting for an elite campaign from him. That will take him to the next level as becoming a true franchise player. Nevertheless, Game 4 can go either way, but I just can’t see the Islanders not win the series in either 4 or 5 based on the first 3 games.

David Lazar: Islanders win in 5

I return to my original prediction. After watching the Islanders falter late in Game 3, it became very obvious that the Panthers are not a team to mess around with. Their new lineup worked and the Islanders were unable to stay out of the penalty box, gifting the Panthers five power-plays and two goals on the man advantage. Today, I think the Islanders will play a good game, but the Panthers have the slight edge. Florida seemed to want it more Wednesday. Not only that, New York now has a goalie controversy on their hands — will Thomas Greiss start or will the Islanders go back to Semyon Varlamov? If Greiss starts, it will be his first official game action in over four months. If Varlamov starts, it will be his fourth contest in seven days. Either way, today will be difficult and anybody can take home the win.

Jake Blackmore: Islanders win in 4

The Islanders showed their weaknesses on Wednesday. They were poor on the powerplay, poor on the penalty kill, and made sloppy mistakes all around. Barry Trotz is the coach, though. I believe after a disheartening loss to watch for a fan, the Islanders will come back will full vengeance, looking to get some well-deserved rest and finish their ping-pong tournament. Although the Islanders vs Panthers series has been tight, New York will take Game 4 in a close battle if the Islanders can return to a more fundamentally-sound playing style.

John Smark