The Islanders and Hurricanes are meeting in the playoffs for the first time as they enter Game 1 of their second-round series on Friday night at Barclays Center.
The Islanders advanced with a four-game sweep of the Penguins while the Hurricanes, rallying twice from two-goal deficits, ousted the defending Stanley Cup-champion Capitals with a 4-3 double overtime win in Game 7 on Wednesday night at Washington.
Here’s the breakdown on this series:
Forwards
Islanders: Coach Barry Trotz is able to roll four lines, typically having his “identity line” of Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck on the ice to start each period.