RALEIGH, N.C. - The New York Islanders are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes this afternoon at the Lenovo Center, looking to break a troubling four-game losing streak. The puck drops at 5 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on FDSNSO, MSGSN, SNE, and TVAS.
As the Islanders (32-29-10) take on the Hurricanes (44-24-4), the stakes are high for New York as they chase a playoff spot. Currently sitting three points out of the last Wild Card position, the Islanders have two games in hand over the New York Rangers, who occupy the second Wild Card spot. According to Money Puck, the Islanders have a 15.9 percent chance of clinching that final playoff berth. This makes today’s game crucial as they look to regain momentum.
The Islanders are coming off a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, where they struggled to find their rhythm. Despite this, there’s a silver lining: they managed to earn points in seven of their last eight home games, although their road record remains shaky at 2-4-0. The pressure is on as they aim to turn their fortunes around against a formidable opponent in the Hurricanes.
Head coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Hurricanes has reported that a sickness is circulating within the locker room, which could impact their lineup. Nonetheless, Carolina is riding high after a strong performance against the Montreal Canadiens, where they secured a 5-2 victory. Taylor Hall has been particularly hot, scoring five goals in his last three games and leading the team with 10 points over the last eight games. His recent form has injected new life into Carolina’s power play, making him a key player to watch today.
The projected lineup for the Islanders features Simon Holmstrom, Bo Horvat, and Kyle Palmieri on the top line, while Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Anthony Duclair round out the second line. The team will be without Mathew Barzal and Semyon Varlamov, both sidelined due to injuries. Marcus Hogberg is expected to start in goal, following Ilya Sorokin's performance against Tampa.
On the other side, the Hurricanes are expected to counter with a lineup that includes Jackson Blake, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis on the first line, while Taylor Hall continues to shine alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic. Pyotr Kochetkov will be in goal, having previously shut out the Islanders in their last encounter this season.
With the Islanders ranking 30th in the NHL on the penalty kill, the Hurricanes will look to exploit this weakness. Their power play has been effective recently, and with players like Aho and Hall leading the charge, they’ll aim to capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
The Islanders need a strong showing to keep their playoff hopes alive, and today’s matchup against the Hurricanes presents a critical opportunity. With the game being played on Military Appreciation Day, the atmosphere at the Lenovo Center is expected to be electric, adding to the urgency of the contest.
As the game approaches, fans are eager to see if the Islanders can overcome their recent struggles and if the Hurricanes can continue their winning ways. Will the Islanders rise to the occasion, or will the Hurricanes extend their dominance?
