It usually takes a game or two in a typical Stanley Cup playoff series for some hard feelings to build between the teams. That won’t be the case in this unique season in which every game was against a divisional opponent.
This time, the animosity will be there from the opening faceoff in the first round given the opponents have already faced each other eight teams, and more in the North Division.
"The foundation is there no matter who plays who," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. "You’re going to have teams play potentially 15 times against each other.