The Islanders are back at it for Game 2 in Raleigh tonight, with the possible change of J-G Pageau returning to the lineup. Patrick Roy yesterday said there was a chance, although Pageau’s absence probably wasn’t an X factor in their loss in Game 1.
The mood heading into tonight is that the Islanders played well — surprisingly well compared to pre-playoff odds and pundit picks — but Frederik Andersen, who started off shaky, stole what could’ve easily been an Isles win.
Whether that was a one-off or a harbinger that this may be a more competitive series than many expect, only time will tell, starting tonight.