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The Islanders head to Sunrise for a pivotal Game five against the Panthers. They will do it without defenseman Ryan Pulock, who will miss up to two weeks with an upper-body injury. Marek Zidlicky will miss his series debut in place of Pulock. Zidlicky will be paired with Thomas Hickey.

Head coach Jack Capuano chose to dress Zidlicky over rookie Adam Pelech due to his experience and play on the power play. This is the first questionable move that Capuano has done this series. I understand that playing the right-handed shot Zidlicky keeps everyone on there normal side. Pelech, who shoot lefthanded, provides size to match up the Panthers forwards, something that the 5'11'' Zidlicky cannot do.

Steve Bernier could make his series debut in place of Alan Quine or Ryan Strome. Bernier was skating with the regulars this morning. It will be a game-time decision. Josh Bailey gets another pass.

I think #FlaPanthers will go with same lineup as Wednesday - the original one with McKegg in and Kindl out. #FLAvNYI

— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 22, 2016

If the Islanders are to win the series they will have to break one of their long streaks. They haven't won a Game five since 1987 and haven't won consecutive playoff games since 2002.

Actor and lifelong Islanders fan Ralph Macchio joined the Isles Buzz podcast to discuss the series.

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