The Carolina Hurricanes are going to the playoffs, and that's no longer a matter of opinion. The Canes put forth one of their most dominant efforts of the season on Thursday night, stomping all over the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 5-1 win. Logan Stankoven scored twice in the opening nine minutes, the team scored on the power play and short-handed, and they only allowed ten shots in their victory.
With a playoff spot secured, the Canes turn their attention to winning the Metropolitan Division, which could be done as soon as this weekend. From there, they'll look to claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference. It might not feel like it, but there is still plenty for the Canes to accomplish this season, and making it to the postseason was just the start.
On the Other Side: New York Islanders
Last meeting: You have to go all the way back to late October to find the only meeting of the season between the Hurricanes and the Islanders. Bradly Nadeau's first NHL goal opened the scoring in a three-goal first period for the Canes, leading 3-1 after 20. Carolina scored three more times in the third period in a one-sided 6-2 win at the Lenovo Center.
The Islanders are holding on for dear life to the third spot in the division, and their effort against the Flyers last night didn't inspire much confidence. With their 4-1 loss to Philadelphia, the Islanders hold a one-point advantage over the Blue Jackets and the Flyers, and both have a game in hand on them. With only five games left, time is running short on Long Island.
Regardless of their finish this season, the team is certain to be in the thick of awards season. Top pick Matthew Schaefer has been every bit as advertised. He's among the rookie leaders in goals and points, making him a favorite for the Calder Trophy. Ilya Sorokin has been one of the league's best netminders, with a league-leading seven shutouts, making him a potential Vezina candidate.
The calling card of this team is their defense. While their offense is in the bottom half of the league, they're Top 10 in both goals against per game and on the penalty kill. It's interesting that they started Sorokin on Saturday against the Flyers, though I can see both sides of the argument. It likely means we'll see David Rittich tonight, much like we did in October.
Islanders to Watch
Simon Holmstrom: I might be completely off base, but Holmstrom always seems to be active against the Canes. He scored one of New York's two goals in October during a 4-on-4. Holmstrom is present for the Islanders at all strengths, though some of his best work comes on the penalty kill. He scored five times short-handed a few seasons ago, and he has a pair this season.
Callum Ritchie: It has been said plenty of times that this rookie class is incredibly deep, and Ritchie has been very good. He's not threatening to be a Calder finalist like his teammate, but he has shown he can be impactful in the NHL. Almost a third of his production has come on the power play, scoring 10 of his 27 points on the man advantage.
Hurricanes to Watch
Andrei Svechnikov: Entering the night on a three-game goal streak, Svechnikov has been on a serious tear. All three goals have come on the power play, aiding in the group's rise up the leaderboard lately. He sits just two goals away from his second 30-goal campaign, and he's five points away from his first 70-point effort.
Alexander Nikishin: While the Islanders' rookie defenseman is likely to win the Calder Trophy this season, Nikishin's season has been nothing to scoff at. He's second to Schaefer in goals and points for rookie defensemen. He scored his first short-handed goal on Thursday and needs just one point to break the tie with Jamie McBain for the most points by a Hurricanes rookie defender.