The Carolina Hurricanes will host the New York Islanders at Lenovo Center this evening before hitting the road for 4 games, with a Christmas break between the last game in New Jersey against the Devils. The team is coming off a lopsided victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 4-1. The team was led by goalie, Dustin Tokarski, making his Carolina debut.
Losing their prior 2 out of 3 games before Sunday's victory, the Canes needed to rest Pyotr Kochetkov and they needed the win. Kochetkov will be well rested for tonight's matchup against the Metro Division rival Islanders. The Islanders handed the Canes a defeat just over a week ago on Long Island by a score of 4-3. The Canes remain in striking distance of the top of the Metro Division with 39 points, just 5 behind the Washington Capitals.
The Islanders have had another up-and-down season, hanging around the pack for a Wild Card spot with 31 points. A .500 team on the road, the Canes have one of the best home records in the NHL at 12-4.
New York had suffered some important injuries early this season with Anthony Duclair, Adam Pelech, and superstar forward, Mat Barzal all hitting the IR. Their luck is beginning to change as Pelech and Barzal returned for their last game against Chicago, despite the loss. Duclair is set to return from the IR tonight to play in just his sixth game for the Islanders.
The Islanders captain, Anders Lee, has had a bounce back season and leads the team in points with 13 goals and 25 points. Fellow veteran, Kyle Palmieri, is having another solid season with 11 goals. Bo Horvat has been quiet this year and missed their last game with a minor injury. Rookie, Maxim Tsyplakov has had a solid start to his NHL career with 6 goals and 18 points. Jackson Blake has more goals in less of a role with his club.
Defensively, Noah Dobson has provided the largest scoring threat with 18 goals. Although Dobson can create offense, he has a tendency to be out of position and make inherent passes. 20 year old rookie, Isaiah George, has had an impressive start to his career but was a healthy scratch against Chicago on Sunday.
In goal, the Islanders have had injuries like the Canes but starting goalie, Ilya Sorokin, has been steady when healthy and has been left out to dry by his team on many occasions. Sorokin is an athletic goalie who should provide a good Russian matchup in the net this evening.
The Canes will look for revenge from their prior meeting on Long Island this evening. The Islanders should have some rust with the return of many injured players, which will allow the Canes to get off to a strong start and use their legs.