Christian’s Daily Links: Islanders on Verge of Sweep

The New York Islanders are on the verge of sweeping the Washington Capitals out of the First Round of the playoffs.

Their Game 3 victory gave the Islanders a commanding 3-0 lead on the series. However, the Islanders are also well aware that closing out the series is always the hardest win to come by.

If the Islanders manage to accomplish the feat, it would be the second consecutive year that they’ve swept an opponent out fo the First Round.

The New York Islanders success in the postseason is in part to the strong, but subtle, play of Semyon Varlamov. The Isles netminder had one of his most noticeable efforts on Sunday in Game 3.

Hockey Now

Is there a chance Tuukka Rask could rejoin the Boston Bruins during their playoff run? (Boston Hockey Now)

The Colorado Avalanche had the day off on Sunday after playing back to back games. Scott MacDonald has some notebook items to check out. (Colorado Hockey Now)

What would Matt Murray’s trade value look like if the Pittsburgh Penguins opted to get rid of him? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

In his latest Peng to the Point column, Sheng Peng examines Tuukka Rask’s decision to opt out of the rest of the NHL playoffs. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Around the Island

More praise for Semyon Varlamov’s effort for the New York Islanders in Game 3. (Newsday)

Mollie Walker spoke with Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky as he watched Game 3. (NY Post)

Barry Trotz is in Tom Reirden’s head right now during the First Round series between the Islanders and Capitals. (Washington Post)

Is it too late for the Capitals to solve the Islanders? (The Hockey News)