Former Islanders Performances in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Nino Niederreiter

Speaking of former Islander draft picks that didn't work out, Nino Niederreiter has found a home in Carolina. Back in the playoffs for the fourth straight season, the Hurricanes are a favorite to at least make a Stanley Cup Final appearance.

After a hard-fought first-round series, the Canes overcame the Boston Bruins in seven games. Niederreiter scored three goals (one on the power play) on 10 shots in the series and added an assist. Those are some pretty significant numbers from a third-line winger that's deployed on the second unit power play.

Playing alongside Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast, Niederretier and his linemates are proving to be quite versatile on both ends of the ice.

"But it’s the defense, the shutting down, that’s truly exceptional — highlighted by the Hurricanes’ difficulty against Bergeron et al when they can’t get the Staal line out against them. Each of the three forwards brings a different element to the trio: Staal’s range and wingspan, Fast’s savvy and indefatigable hustle, Niederreiter’s combination of size and skill."

- Luke Decock, The News & Observer