Carolina Hurricanes (46-17-8) vs. New York Islanders (32-28-9)
Because life is funny like that, the Carolina Hurricanes clinched their fourth straight postseason appearance after coming back from a 2-0 deficit to the Buffalo Sabres, who, incidentally, have now missed the playoffs for eleven seasons in a row. It’s not a game that you particularly want to have to grind out, but the Hurricanes made it work, with three third period goals to seal the deal.
After dragging the team to a win against an opponent who shouldn’t have been so challenging, the Hurricanes don’t have much time to rest before they get back at it, this time facing off against another team that’s struggled this season.