As we all wait for hockey to return, I’ll be continuing to preview the New York Islanders’ qualifying round series against the Florida Panthers. This article will be the first of a few pieces that looks at which players have performed better or worse than average when they play their qualifying round opponent.
These are just stats and truth is, they probably don’t mean much, but it’s at least a bit interesting.
ANTHONY BEAUVILLIER
Beauvillier stepped up his game quite a bit this year, to the point where he’ll be counted on for offense in the playoffs. However, in 11 career games against the Panthers, Beauvillier has gone without a goal, collecting just one assist in that time.
JOHNNY BOYCHUK
Boychuk doesn’t add much offense these days but in multiple seasons starting about six years ago, he was able to consistently score around 25 points per year. That’s why it’s strange to see that he has just a single point in 34 career games against Florida. He has a plus-12 rating (if that means anything to you) and I don’t really know if it’s fair to include him here simply based on offensive production but one point in 34 games is pretty wild.
ANDERS LEE
Turns out neither of New York’s top-six left wingers have had much success against Florida. Lee has scored just five goals and nine points in 20 games against the Panthers throughout his career.
BROCK NELSON
Why not add another top-six forward in here…
Nelson has just eight points in 21 games and considering he’s the Islanders’ second best forward this season, hopefully he’s able to be as productive as usual throughout the series.
RYAN PULOCK
It’s not just the forwards who haven’t been able add offense against the Panthers. Ryan Pulock, New York’s top offensive defenseman, has yet to score a point in 10 career games against the Panthers. Like Boychuk, this doesn't measure how he's performed defensively but considering Pulock actually will be relied on to add some offense, his stats against Florida aren't awesome.
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