The best-of-seven series between the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes starts today. While they routinely see each other in the regular season, this is the first time the divisional rivals face each other in the playoffs.
That’s what happens when both teams combine for only four postseason trips over the previous ten years.
But here they are.
The Islanders defied just about every NHL pundit to rack up 103 points, make it to the postseason, and now into the second round.
The Carolina Hurricanes were able to surge into the playoffs after a crazy end to the season.