Hurricanes @ Islanders – Preview and Game Thread
RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 04: Right Wing Seth Jarvis (24) of the Carolina Hurricanes shoots the puck on Goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) of the New York Islanders (not pictured) while defended by Defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) of the New York Islanders during the NHL game between the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes on April 4, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Carolina Hurricanes visit the New York Islanders tonight to play in the “Mother of all Meaningless Games” at UBS Arena. The Canes have already clinched the Eastern Conference while the Islanders have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
Of course, the game does hold meaning for the players trying to impress their respective coaches, newbie Peter DeBoer for the New Yorkers and coach Brind’Amour of Carolina. Look for a prospect laden lineup for Carolina as they will look to rest as many regulars as possible. Felix Unger Sorum was recalled recently and should make his NHL debut tonight.
The player that the Canes drafted 62nd overall in 2023 leads the Wolves this season with 63 points in 66 games. He will join Chicago teammates Skyler Brind’Amour, Bradly Nadeau, and Charles Alexis Legault who were previously recalled. (Josiah Slavin was returned to Chicago.
) Ronan Seeley and Joel Nystrom were also just recalled and will draw in. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has been returned to the Hurricanes after a successful rehab stint for Chicago. Will he play in this game?
One of many questions to be answered tonight. The Canes did not have a morning skate so lineup decisions will be released closer to puck drop. There is no word on the status of Jalen Chatfield, who was banged up a bit last night.