The Islanders have chosen a fantastic time to lose three straight in regulation for just the second time this season, the first coming in the opening days. That puts them in a very vulnerable position even though they start today still in playoff position by a point.
Simon Holmstrom returned from injury in last night’s home loss to the Flyers, pushing Anthony Duclair back out, but Tony DeAngelo remains out.
The action among fellow playoff chasers begins with some mid-day games, if you’re checking in during the afternoon before the Isles get started in Raleigh at 7:00 EDT. The Isles always lose to the Hurricanes, so anything good from tonight is a bonus — and we can at least pat Carolina on the back for knocking off the Blue Jackets twice this week.
It’s a weekend back-to-back so this game doubles as our game thread. Don’t throw it out with the bathwater.