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And now, they are waiting.
The Islanders, who have just played their four-game round with the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs, can not start their second round streak for at least a week against either the Capitals or the Hurricanes.
The long layoff will bring some needed rest to the midst of a physical playoff series, including with defender status Johnny Boychuk and right winger Cal Clutterbuck uncertain after the two have retired in the second period Tuesday night's 3-1 win at Pittsburgh. . Coach Barry Trotz did not have an immediate update after the match and the team did not train on Wednesday.
But long distances between games are not an optimal model for maintaining optimal performance.
"We will handle that properly," said Trotz, who will also give his team Thursday. "We will try to keep up. This group still practices very well. He is not afraid of work, he is not afraid of the challenge. If it's a week of rest, or eight or nine days, it will be the challenge. "
The Capitals are 2-1 on the Hurricanes before Thursday night's game 4 against Carolina and this series could be over on Saturday or extend until next Wednesday.
If this series ends in Game 7, the Islanders will likely not resume the match until April 26th.
The Bruins-Maple Leafs series, the only other active in the Eastern Conference, could end on Friday or extend until Tuesday. It is unlikely that the NHL will start the second round of a conference without completing the first round.
Trotz, who coached the Capitals in their first Stanley Cup last season, is of course much more familiar with his former team than the Hurricanes since scouting reports are prepared for each team.
"We are going to study Carolina," said Trotz. "We know Washington very well."
If the Islanders play the Capitals, Trotz's statement to his former players on Nov. 26, when he was presented with his cut ring, stating that "You will have to cross the island, but you can do it at again, "will undoubtedly be replayed again and again.
"When I said it, I believed it," said Trotz. "If it turns out to be Washington, what I've said will be resumed forever in all news reports. It's a strong hockey team that can afford to do it again. It's a special group and they will always be part of me. If we end up playing them, it's the opposition.
"If we end up playing in Carolina, they have a lot of character," added Trotz. "I had Justin Williams and I know this leadership. They have a lot of heart and very competent players. They could have one of the most underrated defense corps in the NHL. No matter what happens, we will have our hands full in the next round. "
The Islanders shared their four-game series with the Capitals, with the visiting team winning every game and the Islanders needing just one point to qualify at home in the first round of playoffs, winning the 3-0 win at home. Washington in April 6 in the final of the team season. The Capitals, who were unlikely to play in this game, rested many of their players.
The Islanders have won three of four Hurricanes, including a 2-1 win at Carolina in the season opener on Oct. 4. The teams have not met since January 8th.
The Islanders' task against either team will be considerably more difficult if Boychuk or Clutterbuck are not available. Boychuk, who plays with Nick Leddy on the top pair and is one of Trotz's most trusted third-period players, blocked a shot with his left leg and came out of the ice. It was unclear how Clutterbuck, who was part of the fourth line with Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin, had created an identity.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He started reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has already covered the Rangers and the Devils. The Jets, St. John's and MLB were also named.
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