The New York Islanders will hope that their playoff debut was simply the result of inexperience. The team was destroyed 5-0 against the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 1 on Wednesday and looked outplayed in every facet of the game.
Fortunately, it was only one game and the team can still make it a series with a win on Friday.
"That's behind us," Islanders Captain Mark Streit told the press Thursday. "We lost. They played a strong game, and now it's time to move forward and really concentrate on the next game."
"We have faced adversity throughout the year," added Coach Jack Capuano. "While we've had hiccups along the way, this team has always responded. One thing about our club is that we've found a way to get back on track."
One of the Islanders' strongest attributes down the stretch was its ability to hound teams deep in their zone with an aggressive forecheck. That style of play was absent in the 5-0 loss.
"I think when we play our best we're a strong forechecking team," said forward Josh Bailey. "We get pucks in; we pound the other team's D and use our speed to our advantage. All the little things are what I think has gotten us to this point. We have to bring a lot more of that tomorrow night."
The big story for Pittsburgh is that all-star Center Sidney Crosby skated with his line mates on Thursday. However, there has been no update on whether he will play on Friday evening.
Prediction: The Islanders play a better game but Pittsburgh manages a 3-2 win.
Start Time: 7 PM EST
TV: NBCSN; TSN; MSG PLUS, ROOT