The Islanders defeated the Florida Panthers in six games in the first round; it was their first series victory since 1993. They lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the second round.
"I'm glad the Islanders advanced to the second round," Yashin said. "They haven't done it for a long time, so the fans were really happy. The team played really well in the series against the Florida Panthers. Especially John Tavares, who was an absolute leader."
Tavares had five goals and nine points in the first round, including two goals in the series-clinching Game 6 victory. But it wasn't just the captain who Yashin was impressed with.
"Tavares was great, but also I really liked the way the fourth line with Casey] Cizikas, [Matt] Martin and [Cal
.