Islanders Second-Round Playoff Schedule Released
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Islanders second-round Stanley Cup playoffs schedule has been released.
The Islanders open the series Wednesday in Tampa Bay against the Lightning at 7 p.m. Game Two is Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Islanders come back home to Brooklyn on Tuesday, May 3 for Game Three at 7 p.m. Game Four will take place Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
If the series is extended, Game Five will be in Tampa on Sunday, May 8; Game Six will happen Tuesday, May 10; and Game Seven would take place Thursday, May 12.
The Islanders advanced in a playoff series for the first time since 1993 after defeating the Florida Panthers 2-1 in double overtime Sunday.
One of the more intriguing matchups in the series figures to feature Islanders star John Tavares and Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman, the first two players selected in the 2009 draft.
Tavares had five goals and four assists in the first round.
"He's a world-class player, one of the best players in the league," Hedman said.
Tavares respects Hedman's game, too.
"He's got such great physical abilities, a high hockey IQ, so every time we've played against him it's a great challenge," Tavares said. "He had a great playoff last year, really put that D corps on his shoulder in many ways and was huge for their run last year."
While the Lightning had nearly a week's rest after eliminating the Detroit Red Wings, the Islanders have a quick turnaround after advancing with a double overtime victory Sunday night.
"You can look at it both those ways. Their team's had a lot of time to rest, work on some things," Tavares said. "And we're obviously coming off an emotional, intense couple of games and want to carry over that intensity. So it can really go either way."
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