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Every article, I try to include a poll question for readers to vote on, then review the results from the week’s polls every weekend. Here are this week’s poll results and my thoughts on how they turned out.
QUESTION: Which team has the coaching advantage?
(Votes: 94)
New York: Barry Trotz: 88%
Florida: Joel Quenneville: 12%
Trotz has done a good job implementing a structured system with the Islanders, while Quenneville has yet to find one that works well for the Panthers. Each team has a Cup-winning head coach but right now, I’d give the edge to New York.
QUESTION: What do you think the Islanders’ goaltending situation will be in the series?
(Votes: 61)
Greiss ends up starting at least one game: 62%
Varlamov starts all games: 38%
If Greiss does start a game, there’s a good chance the Islanders have dropped at least one game in the series. Considering the shortened series and how capable Greiss is, I’d imagine that if Varlamov stumbles at all, New York won’t be waiting too long to make the switch over to Greiss.
QUESTION: Do you view the Islanders as a contender heading into the playoffs?
(Votes: 55)
No: 58%
Yes: 42%
I think the Islanders are a quality team that could win their qualifying round series and then maybe another round after that. I’m not going to write them off and they could certainly surprise, but I do think they’re missing at least one top forward before being considered a legitimate contender. They’ll have the ability to knock off top teams but right now, I wouldn’t say the Islanders themselves are a top team.
QUESTION: If you were able to decide who the Islanders face in their qualifying round series, are you happy with Florida as their opponent or would you choose a different team?
(Votes: 42)
Florida: 81%
Someone else: 19%
Yeah, I think this one is pretty clear. The Islanders got a lucky draw here, avoiding the New York Rangers which could have been a problem. Even between Columbus and Montreal, I think Florida’s weak defense will be key in the series and the Panthers are probably the best team for New York to be facing.
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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM JUNE
Reviewing which players on the Panthers underperform against New York
Reviewing which players on the Panthers overperform against New York
Reviewing which players on the Islanders overperform against Florida
Reviewing which players on the Islanders underperform against Florida
Reviewing this week's polls (June 7): Islanders Edition
Islanders vs. Panthers: Comparing the goalies
Islanders vs. Panthers: Comparing the defenses
Islanders vs. Panthers: Comparing the forwards
Reviewing this week's polls (June 1): Islanders Edition 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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