Could the New York Islanders be the best #8 seed in OTHL history? Well if you ask them, they will tell you so. "We don't even feel like a 8 seed," said coach Mike Keenan, who is rumoured to be on the hot seat. "This is a team that knows i can beat a team like Washington. We have the veterans, we have the scoring, we have a great goalie, why can't we do it? Look at the standings, we finished only a couple wins behind the Capitals. Our team will be ready, and we fully expect to win this series."
This series also marks a battle between two different philosophies, as the Capitals have always built around veterans, while the Islanders have rebuilt their franchise in three seasons by drafting and developing prospects.