Christian’s Daily Links: It’s Almost Time For Isles to Start the Qualifying Round

There’s just one more day before the Islanders and Florida Panthers finally kick things off. It has felt like an eternity to get to this point, but we’re almost there.

The Islanders had the day off on Thursday after beating the New York Rangers the night before in an exhibition game. Only Adam Pelech and Derick Brassard addressed the media, so there wasn’t too much news. Pelech had some pregame jitters on Wednesday and Brassard discussed the 10 days he spent as a Panther last season.

Wednesday night did appear to indicate that Semyon Varlamov deserved to start Game 1 on Saturday.

There’s also a look back at some of the more memorable moments between the Islanders and Panthers.

Hockey Now

The Florida Panthers got beaten up pretty bad by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Understandably, they weren’t happy about it and that might not bode well for the Islanders. (Florida Hockey Now)

It’s that time of year where coaches are super-secret about who they’ll use in net. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is no different. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

An in-depth look at Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The Boston Bruins dropped their preseason game to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Five takeaways from the game. (Boston Hockey Now)

Take a trip back in time when COVID-19 wasn’t a worry. Which team was better, the 2018-19 San Jose Sharks or the 2018-19 Vegas Golden Knights? (San Jose Hockey Now)

Around the Island

Wednesday’s game was the Islanders first time experiencing playing in an empty arena. It was weird for them. (Newsday)

How does the Islanders-Panthers series breakdown? A good look at that from Brian Compton. (NHL.com)