New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 2 Prediction, NHL Odds
Game 1 came as advertised, a defensive matchup where the Hurricanes topped the Isles 2-1. Carolina came out strong, getting ahead 1-0 less than five minutes into the game. They added another goal 2:27 into the second, but New York was quick to respond with their only goal of the game.
Special teams ended up being the difference in the opening game of the series with both teams getting four chances on the man advantage. The Hurricanes were able to score on two of those opportunities as well as shutting down all of New York’s powerplays.
The Hurricanes are listed as the -190 favourite in Game 2 on the NHL odds with the total sitting at 5.5. Puck drop from PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina goes down at 7 P.M. EST.
Islanders vs. Hurricanes NHL Playoff Betting Odds
After taking down the Islanders on Monday, the Hurricanes are now listed at -400 to take the series. Including the regular season, Carolina has now beaten the Islanders four times in a row. Three of those four wins have played the Under, which was expected considering the defensive mindsets of both these teams.
Despite the loss, New York still managed to cover the spread for the fifth time in their past six games. Oddsmakers expect them to keep it close again Wednesday, having them at -185 to cover at 1.5 goals. The Islanders have had trouble scoring on the Hurricanes all season being held to two goals or
New York Islanders
The underdog Islanders were shut down on the road in Game 1, getting only 26 shots to the net and getting just one past the goalie. Defenceman Ryan Pulock scored his eighth career playoff goal just 24 seconds after the Hurricanes went up 2-0 in the second. His marker would be the last one of the game setting up a grind through the last half of the game.
After missing the final 23 games of the regular season, Mathew Barzal jumped right back onto the Islanders’ top line in his return for Game 1. He and the Islanders got better as the game went on, as he led them in the final 90 seconds as they pushed for a tying goal. Barzal finished the night by playing over 21 minutes and registering two shots on goal.
New York still has a chance to upset in this series for one simple reason: Ilya Sorokin. The Russian netminder has proven himself as a top-five goalie in the league over the past few seasons and has the skill to carry this team on his back if need be. The 27-year-old was amazing on Monday making 35 saves in Game 1.
Carolina Hurricanes
Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour went with Antti Raanta in goal for the series opener and was not disappointed in the 33-year-old’s performance. He stopped 25 of 26 shots and picked up his seventh career postseason victory in his 19th playoff appearance.
It was the powerplay that got the offence rolling for the Canes, notching two goals with the extra man and finishing the night 2-for-4. Brent Burns set up both of the goals from the blue line, sending a pass to Sebastian Aho who fired a one-timer home for a 1-0 lead. Then Burns let go a one-timer of his own that was tipped in front by Stefan Noesen.
Aho’s goal was his 19th career playoff marker, tying him with Eric Staal for the most in franchise history. He’s the type of player that steps up when it matters most, posting 47 points (19G 28A) in 49 career playoff games. The 25-year-old Finland native lead the team in goals this season with 36, two short of his career high.
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