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New York Islanders NHL Playoff Guide: Dont Cheer These Teams

May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) talk against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) talk against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) scores past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) and lands on defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Nashville won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) scores past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) and lands on defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Nashville won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Blackhawks

No one but Blackhawks fans themselves can root for Chicago. Similar to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL’s love affair with the Hawks makes them a pariah amongst NHL teams and their fans.

They are media darlings, get more than their fair share of national games throughout the season, and are perennial favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

They’re home to the controversial Patrick Kane. They’ve got a shrewd general manager, a great coach, and how is it that every one of their prospects pans out? They’re one of the most successful gold miners in the league right now.

Maybe this is all green, but it is what it is and simply put, we’re sick of the Blackhawks.

Nashville Predators

I’ll admit it, I’ve got mixed emotions when it comes to Nashville. They’ve got the fun town, live music during intermission, a great mascot, and P.K. Subban. Looking at just those things, it would seem obvious, that yes, the Preds are the safe choice when choosing a team not the Islanders to root for.

Then I remember James Neal plays for them. James Neal isn’t necessarily the worst Isles-killer like Sidney Crosby, but he’s just annoyingly dirty and oftentimes a danger on the ice.

If we’re thinking personal, though, it’s hard to forget the hit – albeit clean – that Eric Nystrom laid on Mikhail Grabovski. It’s one in a long line of hits that have sidelined the Isles forward for as long as he’s been in blue and orange.

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