To be honest, I don’t recall all of my predictions for the first round, but I can tell you that I caught many of the games. The coverage by NBC is fantastic, and I can’t tell you how many times I sat in my living-room with my Mac Book Pro or iPad in my lap studying while I listened to the games.
To say the least, the first round was quite entertaining, and the second round is shaping up to be as well. I was quite surprised that Pittsburgh and Boston went down in the East, while Detroit and Chicago were shocking enough in the West. I had no idea Vancouver would be so easily handled by Los Angeles. … [visit site to read more]

Hockey from the Blind Side, Playoff Observations - Eyes On Isles - Eyes On Isles - A New York Islanders Blog

Mar. 29, 2012; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Josh Bailey (12) is congratulated by teammates after receiving the first star of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Islanders won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

N0te – this is strictly an opinion piece.  I invite you to not only comment, but discuss here.

To be an Islander fan, is to have a strong stomach.  The facts are simple:

No playoff series wins, since the shocking defeat of the Penguins in 1993.  We all remember the 2002 series with Toronto.  Then the disappointing losses  after that to Ottawa, Tampa and Buffalo.  Missing the playoffs over the last few years, they have had the chance to acquire some young stars in the making.  We have all seen the likes of Okposo, Bailey, and Tavares become pros, and make strides to become solid NHL stars.  The future is soon to be visible for Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Strome to become major factors for this team.

… [visit site to read more]

To “Tank” or Not to “Tank” – that is the Isles question… - Eyes On Isles - Eyes On Isles - A New York Islanders Blog