Flyers-Islanders First Round Preview

In what could the most hotly anticipated first round match-up in EHE Playoff histrory the Philadelphia Flyers will kick off their Stanley Cup hopes with a tough match up against a deep New York Islanders team. 

No team will want to give an inch but one must prevail ... we take a look at the match-up below.

Players to watch

Mitch Marner

In Bergeron's absence, Marner will be the de-facto leader being a key component at top of the line-up and with PP and PK duties.

Marner finished the season on 43 goals and 98 points. Stopping his production will be a huge factor on how the Flyers navigate the first round. However, there is still Hertl, Mackinnon and Svechnikov in support which makes this an interesting match-up

Victor Hedman

The Flyers went big in the off-season and lander the No.1 free agent in Hedman. Huge money was spent to acquire his signature but he has surely been worth it in his first year racking up a near point per game pace whilst playing key minutes against other teams top lines.

Hedman will be asked to shutdown the Islanders top players and how he fares will be a key determinant as to whether the Flyers make the 2nd round.

All the best to both teams.