WFAN.com
Though the Islanders are technically the underdog in their first-round playoff series against the Panthers, they are going to be under even more pressure than usual when Game 1 gets underway Thursday night in Sunrise, Florida.
From their fans.
From those around the NHL who have been touting them for years.
From themselves.
Really, who the Isles are playing shouldn’t matter. The bottom line back in 2013, when they ended a five-year run without a postseason appearance, is still the same today. Some measure of success in the postseason is long overdue.