Hurricanes Game 76: Lines, Notes, Goalies, and How to Watch vs. Islanders
James Guillory-Imagn Images Saturday, the Carolina Hurricanes begin a back-to-back set over the Easter holiday, starting with the New York Islanders at home, before traveling to face the Ottawa Senators less than 24 hours later. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT. The Hurricanes’ last game was one of their most dominant of the season, as they matched a franchise record for the fewest shots allowed (10) in a game.
They took the win 5-1 over the Columbus Blue Jackets and locked their spot for the playoffs. The game also featured a shorthanded goal from Alexander Nikishin, becoming the first rookie defenseman in franchise history to do so, tying Jamie McBain for most points by a rookie defenseman in Hurricanes history, and tying the team for most shorties this season alongside the Calgary Flames. You can read all about the game here !
Friday, the Hurricanes did not hold a practice, and as such, there is very little to go on for the projected lineup. However, now that the Hurricanes have clinched a postseason berth, there is a strong likelihood that some different folks will log ice time while the more productive players get rest in the next seven games. Meanwhile, the Islanders continue to battle for their spot in the playoffs after missing them last season.
They’ll be going into Raleigh with a loss in hand after Metropolitan Division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, defeated them 4-1 Friday. While they hold the third spot in the Metro Division, they are just one point ahead of the Blue Jackets, who aren’t even in a wild-card position. In the Crease For the Hurricanes, they will likely start Brandon Bussi in net.
After some dips in numbers and performance, he came in clutch in his last start – keeping the Hurricanes in the game amidst a breakdown versus the Blue Jackets. This season, he has a save percentage of . 895, with a goals against average of 2.