The Islanders know how tough it will be to play against the Hurricanes in the second round of the playoffs because they know how tough opponents find it to play against them.
“I think we’re fairly similar in certain aspects,” goalie Robin Lehner said after Thursday’s practice at East Meadow. “The common denominator between both teams is we’re two hard-working teams. I think we’re pretty similar that way. I’m going to expect a very hard series. It’s going to be hard to suffocate them and they’re going to have a hard time suffocating us.”
The teams play Game 1 of their first-ever postseason meeting on Friday night at Barclays Center.