The Carolina Hurricanes might've lost the war on Monday night to the Philadelphia Flyers, but they did enough to win at least one battle in their shootout loss. By getting the game to overtime, the Hurricanes ensured their spot atop the Eastern Conference for the regular season, losing 3-2 in the skills competition to the Flyers, who clinched their final playoff spot in the East with their win.
With nothing on the line other than pride for either side tonight, I'd expect all of the big guns to be rested, and those who have to play to see the ice in short quantities. The Canes still have to dress enough players to complete their roster, but it shouldn't be anything close to what we'll see when they begin their postseason journey on Saturday or Sunday.
On the Other Side: New York Islanders
Last meeting: The Islanders made the trip to Raleigh ten days ago, and while the Canes dominated most of the contest, the score remained tight throughout. The Islanders led by a goal twice before a two-goal second period and an early third-period strike put the Canes up 4-2. New York got one before the end of regulation, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback in a 4-3 Carolina win.
The Islanders were thoroughly outplayed by the Hurricanes that night, despite the close score. The following day, the Islanders relieved Patrick Roy of his duties as the head coach, bringing Peter DeBoer on as the new bench boss. They earned a win in DeBoer's first game behind the bench, but their season will end once tonight's game finishes.
With their 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, the Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention. It followed a 3-0 shutout loss to the Senators the day before. Despite being one of the best defensive teams in the league, on account of the stellar work from Ilya Sorokin, there will be no playoff hockey on Long Island again this season.
With this final game meaning nothing to the Islanders' season beyond today, it will be a good chance to showcase some of the youth within their system. Matthew Schaefer is likely the runaway favorite to win the Calder Trophy after a historic rookie campaign. Along with guys like Callum Ritchie, the Islanders could show that there is plenty to like about their future prospects.
Hurricanes to Watch
I mean no disrespect by excluding the Islanders from my final preview of the regular season for the "Players to Watch" section. Truthfully, without this game meaning very much, I'm more interested in seeing how the Hurricanes on the ice fare, especially since it will likely be a younger group for the Eastern Conference's top team.
Bradly Nadeau: Scoring the third goal of his career last night, Nadeau was given a lot of chances to succeed. He was on the ice for overtime, nearly scoring again right before the horn, and his number was called in the shootout, though he was stopped. I think Nadeau will get those same chances tonight to play big minutes before helping the Wolves in the postseason.
Felix Unger Sorum: Another big part of the Wolves' success this season, Unger Sorum is seventh in the AHL in scoring with 63 points, thanks to an ongoing nine-game point streak. He earned his first call-up on Monday, and he'll get his first crack at the NHL tonight. If not for Chicago playing three games this weekend, the 20-year-old winger likely would've played in Philadelphia on Monday, too.
Pyotr Kochetkov: We don't know who the Hurricanes' starting goalie for tonight will be, but that Kochetkov returned to the team on Monday after playing three periods this weekend feels like a very good sign. He allowed two goals on 27 shots across a pair of appearances with the Wolves. It's not a guarantee that Kochetkov takes the net. Though, imagine how happy we'd all be if he did.
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