Tonight, the New York Islanders will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals as their quest for the Stanley Cup continues, and with that comes another mailbag! In this series, we will be answering questions that are asked to us on our Instagram, @drive4five, through the question and answer feature on Instagram stories, about the New York Islanders, potential trades, and hockey in general. This will be a collaborative effort by all the writers on the website as each week you will see different people answering the questions! If you want to ask a question to potentially be featured in next week’s mailbag, make sure to check our Instagram for the next time we post the question and answer box on our story! If you want to check out what we had to say in the last mailbag, you can check it out here!

From @ant_volt: “Who starts in goal for game 1?”

“At this point, it’s unrealistic to assume that we know which goaltender Trotz will roll with for sure. That said, I expect Thomas Greiss to start in game 1 and if not in game 1, at some point during the series. Varlamov has proven that he can excel in goal, but he has also proven that he can struggle at times. Greiss has played well in each of his three appearances this postseason, so he has earned the opportunity to put this team on his back at least once more. Either goaltender is a realistic possibility, but I would lean towards Greiss for game 1.”

-Aidan

From @itsjackiemojr: “Who would you play on the wing with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Derick Brassard?”

“The Islanders have a lot of options for their third line. Pageau and Brassard are easy candidates to play there, but the last spot is a toss-up. Tom Kuhnhackl, Ross Johnston, Leo Komarov, and Michael Dal Colle are all qualified for that spot, especially in a structure-based team like the Islanders. However, for now, expect the Islanders to roll Dal Colle since he was in for the win in game seven. However, if the team begins to struggle at some point, expect Komarov to come back in, but if struggles continue, Kuhnhackl will be next man up.”

-Matt

From @izakwein: “Do the Islanders have what it takes to beat Tampa Bay?”

“When there are four teams left, anybody can beat anybody. On paper, there is no question that the Lightning are the best team left in the tournament. They are deep, have good goaltending, and a much-improved defense. However, if the Islanders stick to what they do best, they can take anyone down. What they proved last series against Philadelphia is that they can take down any “type” of opponent. While Washington is an offensive juggernaut, the Flyers rely on their defense and depth to help them win games. Beating teams with diverse styles shows that Trotz’s system can work against anyone. The Islanders are far more physical than the Lightning, play with better structure, and have just as good chemistry. While the Islanders are certainly the underdogs, their mentality and system can take down anyone.”

-Shawn

From @ecorredor: “Who needs to step up their play for the Islanders in the Eastern Conference Finals?”

“As the Eastern Conference Finals commences tonight between the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning, one player for the New York Islanders that can be an x-factor for the team is Jordan Eberle. If he can step up his play, he could be an enormous reason for an Islanders’ advancement to the Stanley Cup Final. Last year in round 1 versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Eberle scored four goals in four games and racked up nine points in eight games throughout the Islanders playoff run. In the 2020 playoffs, Eberle has produced, just not like he did last year. Eberle recorded three points against the Panthers, two points against the Capitals, and six assists in the seven-game series versus the Flyers. In 16 games this postseason, Eberle has 11 points, which is by no means bad. Nonetheless, the Islanders are going to need more from Jordan Eberle if they are going to beat the Lighting. Eberle is going to need to score more, plain and simple. They need all hands on deck this series and more from a guy who is more than capable.”

-Ethan

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, and make sure to keep an eye out on the Instagram story for the next time to submit questions, and check back next week for the next installment of the Drive4Five Mailbag! Also, make sure to cheer on the Islanders as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at 8 PM!

SEF