Hurricanes vs. Islanders Prediction
The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off a thrilling overtime Game 7 victory at the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Can Carolina continue its road success tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at the New York Islanders?
Game Snapshot
7 Carolina Hurricanes at 8 New York Islanders
Friday, April 26, 2019
Barclays Center at 7:08PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Islanders are a -140 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Hurricanes are a +120 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5 goals. As of Friday morning, 71 percent of public bets are being placed on host New York. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
McGinn wins it in OT
Brock McGinn knocked in the game-winner in overtime Wednesday night at Washington to send Carolina to a 4-3 victory in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Justin Williams and Jaccob Slavin assisted on the winning goal. The Hurricanes trailed 2-0 through one period, but they cut the deficit in half on a shorthanded Sebastian Aho goal midway through the second period assisted by Brett Pesce and Slavin. The Capitals pushed their lead to two goals several minutes later, but Carolina trimmed it back to 3-2 on a Teuvo Teravainen goal with 3:23 left in the first period with assists going to Pesce and McGinn. The Hurricanes evened it up at 3-3 2:56 into the third period on a Jordan Staal goal on an assist from Slavin. Petr Mrazek allowed three goals on 37 shots in the winning effort.
Islanders wrap up sweep
New York completed a first round sweep at Pittsburgh 10 days ago with a 3-1 victory. The Penguins struck first 35 seconds into the first period before the Islanders scored three unanswered goals the rest of the way. Jordan Eberle tied the game at 1-1 less than two minutes later on a goal assisted by Mathew Barzal and Scott Mayfield. Brock Nelson gave New York a 2-1 advantage with 1:54 to play in the first with assists going to Josh Bailey and Tom Kuhnhackl. After a scoreless second period, the Islanders found the series-winner with 38 seconds remaining in the third period via a Bailey goal assisted by Valtteri Filppula. Robin Lehner registered 32 saves on 33 shots to earn the victory between the pipes.
NHL Betting Trends
Carolina
The underdog is 5-0 in the last five meetings. Carolina is 10-4 in its last 14 meetings in New York.
New York
The Islanders are 6-0 in their last six games versus the Eastern Conference. New York is 4-1 in its last five home games.
Prediction:
Carolina is coming off a grueling seven-game series whereas New York had a far less taxing sweep, but there is something to be said for being in the groove like the Hurricanes are and not in the middle of a hockeyless session such as New York. There has to be some rink rust where the Islanders are concerned and with the Hurricanes having so much success in New York the last many years, I’m taking the visitors to steal Game 1.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: CAROLINA HURRICANES +120