Keys to the Game
Special Teams
Anytime the Bruins play, special teams becomes a factor. The Bruins are top five in the league in both powerplay and penalty kill percentage.
The Islanders must stay out of the box and not give the Bruins any man advantages!
Special teams can definitely make a difference in today’s game. It made a difference the last time these teams met.
The Islanders only took one penalty in regulation, but then they took another in overtime. The Bruins powerplay scored and that was the difference in the game.
Other than that, five on five was a completely even game.
The Islanders need to stay out of the box and if given they are given any man advantages, they must capitalize on them.
Stay on the Attack
For back to back games the Islanders have started off the game strong. In both games, the ice was tilted and the Islanders had definitely controlled the game.
Especially last game, they completely lost all momentum they had from the first period and the Isles offense was pretty much non-existent for the second and third.
Today, the Islanders must stay on the attack!
They must pressure and push Boston for the whole game. Against Boston, the best defense is a great offense. Boston cannot score if they do not have the puck.
The Islanders will have success if they keep the puck out of their own end, limit turnovers and force their game on Boston.