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Finishing your series off early has more pluses than minuses, but sometimes waiting around can be a double edge sword as teams try to prepare for their next opponent.
The Rangers might find out today who they will have to face this week to make it to the final four. For those of us without a dog in this race it's hard to not want a New York Rangers/New York Islanders playoff series.
Today the Islanders will attempt to not only keep themselves alive, but keep Nassau Coliseum alive. There is no guarantee, even with an Islanders win, today won't be the final day for the Islanders on the island, but you can be sure this team wants to make sure the final appearance in this is storied building ends with a win.
The Ranger sure don't hope so. The Rangers haven't much better this year against the Capitals and the Islanders have had their number. There are many who believe the Islanders are one loss from elimination and two wins from a Cconference Final.
The Islanders won three of five against the Rangers, but the Rangers have won the last two meetings in two very different games.
Meanwhile, on the other coast, the Anaheim Ducks are waiting as well. Tonight the Calgary Flames could advance or the Vancouver Canucks Will force a seventh game. On February 16 the Rangers won 6-5, and on March 10 the Rangers won 2-1.
The Rangers won three of four against the Caps, and over the last three seasons are 7-3-1 versus Washington.
The Ducks have won three of five meetings this year with Calgary, but oddly enough the teams combined for 39 goals in five games. That's almost 8 per game, and in this year's NHL that's unheard of. The big subplot of course will be Jonas Hiller, who has been the difference in the Vancouver series, returning to play his old team in Anaheim.
On the opposite side, the Ducks have also won three of five versus Vancouver, but the teams have only combined for 20 goals in five games. Half as much scoring.
Enjoy the hockey today!