Anders Lee of the Islanders battles for position during the first period against Joel Farabee of the Flyers at Barclays Center on Feb. 11, 2020. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Islanders and Flyers typically play four times in the regular season and thrice in the preseason, including one rookie game. So, the Metropolitan Division foes have a healthy familiarity with each other.
Yet, they have somehow avoided playing each other in the playoffs for 33 years. That changes on Monday night as they open their best-of-seven, second-round series at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
And it will change the tenor of the rivalry.