But if the Islanders can keep this up, they’ll make a series out of this.
The New York Islanders played well enough to beat the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1, but the Candy Canes got one more bounce than the Islanders did. The Islanders have to be encouraged by how well they hung with and at times even controlled play against the Hurricanes.
If the Islanders can take Game 2 and steal home ice, heading back to Long Island with a 1-1 split, they would have a great chance to win this series. If they play like they did yesterday, they will have a good chance to win Game 2. More of what we saw in Game 1, a couple of bounces go our way, and we’ll get that 1-1 split.
Islanders News
Game 1 recaps:
- I am choosing to be optimistic that the Islanders can hang with Carolina rather than concerned they blew a prime opportunity. [LHH]
- Patrick Roy is “encouraged” but “frustrated” because they had chances. [3 Takeaways]
- Were it not for Freddy Andersen, the Islanders probably win this game. [NHL]
- Rightfully, the Islanders were encouraged and want to build on Game 1. [THN]
- “Ultimately, Game 1 may prove to be a huge missed opportunity. Or it might become a harbinger of an upset.” [Newsday]
- What’s frustrating is that last year’s series was won on the margins by Carolina, and that’s where they won again last night. [NY Post]
- Changing this would help: “The Isles have led after the first period in only two of their last 27 playoff games (2023 R1 games 5/6).” [NYI Skinny]
Notes:
- J-G Pageau was a game-time decision and ended up not playing with a lower-body injury. [NY Post] But it seems like he will play tomorrow.
Roy says a “good chance” Pageau plays tomorrow
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) April 21, 2024
- Before the game yesterday, Stefen Rosner wrote a piece on MacLean’s importance to their success. Fitting that he scored yesterday. [THN]
- Roy’s impact with the team has been noticeable, both in systems and in motivation. [Islanders]
Elsewhere
One other Game 1 last night, where the Boston Bruins waxed the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- 32 Thoughts touched on every playoff series. The Islanders should score more than they do, according to data pulled by Elliotte Friedman.
- Jonathan Drouin has been ruled out for the entirety of the first round for the Colorado Avalanche. [TSN]
- Utah owner Ryan Smith says they have received over 20,000 season ticket deposits. [TSN]
- Daniel Alfredsson is not a candidate to be the next coach of the Ottawa Senators, according to Steve Staios. [TSN]
- St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong hopes his new coach is in place by June. [TSN]