The first round playoff series between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders is set to begin, showcasing two teams with significant differences from last season's matchup.

By the Numbers
  • The Hurricanes had the second-best power play in the NHL at 26.91%, while the Islanders lagged behind at 19.74%.
  • Carolina's penalty kill was strong at 86.43%, contrasting with the Islanders' 72.15% efficiency.
Yes, But

The Islanders will need to address their struggles on special teams to compete with the Hurricanes' prowess in that area.

State of Play
  • Both teams are entering the playoffs with strong defensive records, setting the stage for a low-scoring series.
  • Coaching strategies and adaptability will play a critical role in determining the series outcome.
What's Next

The performance of key players like Aho for the Hurricanes and Barzal for the Islanders will heavily influence the series, along with the goaltending situation for both teams.

Bottom Line

With the Hurricanes holding an advantage but facing a formidable Islanders team, this series is expected to be a hard-fought battle where special teams, coaching decisions, and individual player performances will be decisive.