The only Islanders goal that counted on Sunday was put in by a Hurricane, when Jaccob Slavin accidentally tipped Mathew Barzal’s pass attempt into the Carolina net.
But the Islanders had many chances to score goals on their own. Many, many chances. They converted none, resulting in a 2-1 loss and 2-0 deficit in the teams’ second-round playoff series.
“That’s the cruel reality,” coach Barry Trotz said. “Sometimes you play really well and don’t get the result.”
Said Josh Bailey, “That’s just the way it goes sometimes. I think in the end those things usually even themselves out, so we’ll get our bounces, too.