The Carolina Hurricanes will look to make it three straight wins against divisional opponents as they host the New York Islanders tonight at PNC Arena.
Lineups and Game Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders
The Canes have started to look more and more like themselves as of late, so perhaps things have started to click into place for the pre-season Stanley Cup favorites.
Here are my three keys to tonight's game:
Power Play Jolt
The Hurricanes' power play has been a bit quiet as of late — just two goals scored over their last 21 opportunities — and with the Islanders rocking the league's 2nd worst penalty kill, it's time for them to get back on the board
It isn't like the power play hasn't been generating chances though.
I think back to two games ago against the Columbus Blue Jackets where they did pretty much all they could, but Elvis Merzlikins just played so well.
There have been some hit or miss moments in there for sure, but the talent is there among the personnel for them to be successful.
At the very least, just don't give up a shorthanded goal this time.
Mind the Gaps
The Isles are a team undergoing an identity change currently. They aren't the defensive stalwarts they once were as they've begun to trend a bit more towards offense.
Speedy players like Mathew Barzal and Pierre Engvall allow the Islanders to stretch the game out rather than compress it and with Noah Dobson having regained his confidence, they have a good puck mover on the backend too.
Carolina will have to stay committed to their defensive structure and work to limit New York's ability to transition with speed. That means stacking up well and being smart at the blueline.
Last time these two teams met, the Isles were able to score a few goals off of their transition game, so the Hurricanes should already be aware of what they need to do.
Stick to the Game Plan
I sound like a broken record at this point, but it still bears repeating.
Carolina needs to stick to the game that makes them successful.
All 18 skaters need to buy in, play hard and play smart.
The team has been looking better and better as the season has gone along, but they still have only put together a winning streak of at least three games once this season.
The message needs to be hammered in until the team learns to stay hot.
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