The New York Islanders return home desperate to avoid a 3-0 series deficit against the Carolina Hurricanes in their second-round playoff matchup. Carolina has dominated so far, but will the Isles bounce back on home ice?
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Breakdown: Islanders Desperation vs Hurricanes Domination
Location and Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, United States
Date and Time: Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:30 PM UTC
Where to Watch: One can likely find the game on local sports networks or with a subscription to a streaming service that carries NHL games.
Weather: In Elmont, NY, one can expect highs around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 7°C (44°F).
The Islanders historically haven’t done well against the Hurricanes, losing the last 4 meetings. However, home ice and desperation could be a factor. The Hurricanes boast a top-ranked offense and a stingy defense, making them heavy favorites.
Our Picks: Carolina is Poised for a Comeback
Despite the Islanders needing a win, Carolina’s overall dominance is hard to ignore, especially if Andersen suits up.
Carolina Hurricanes ATS: While the Islanders are a desperate team at home, taking Carolina Hurricanes Against The Spread (ATS) might be the smarter pick here. The Hurricanes boast a superior record and have been better at covering the spread throughout the season (28-17-7) compared to the Islanders (14-22-6). Their strong penalty kill and offensive firepower make them a tough matchup for a struggling Islanders team. Even if Carolina wins by a single goal, they’d still cover the spread, making them the safer bet ATS.
New York Islanders ATS: Taking the Islanders Against the Spread (ATS) could be a tempting underdog play. While the Hurricanes are favored to win, the Islander’s desperation could lead to a closer game than expected. Their home-ice advantage and past success against the Hurricanes might provide a slight edge. If Sorokin can steal the show in the net and the Islanders limit penalties, they could keep the score respectable and cover the spread. However, this is a high-risk play considering the Hurricanes’ overall dominance.
Pick 1: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 ATS (-110)
The Hurricanes have covered the spread in 6 of their last 8 road games. Their offense is clicking, and their defense is stifling. Look for Carolina to win by two or more goals.
Pick 2: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-105)
Both teams prioritize defense, and the total has gone under in 3 of Carolina’s last 4 road games. Don’t expect a high-scoring affair in this one.
