The New York Islanders have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference playoff game, cutting their playoff series deficit to 3-2 (wcluradio.com). The Islanders managed to fend off elimination thanks to impressive performances by Pierre Engvall and Brock Nelson, who each tallied a goal and an assist (therinklive.com). Meanwhile, the Hurricanes failed to seal the deal, despite having the chance to close out the series on their home ice, and instead head back to Long Island with a 3-2 lead (newsobserver.com).
The Islanders’ victory didn’t come without some drama. In the second period, they managed to score a goal after the puck hit the face of the Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (usatoday.com). While many were shocked by the bizarre sequence of events, the Islanders were all too happy to take the lead. Now, with the series returning to New York, the Islanders will look to continue their momentum and tie the series (gamingtoday.com).
However, the Islanders are still facing an uphill battle. Despite their recent victory, they still find themselves trailing in the series 3-2 after a devastating loss in Game 4 (nypost.com). The Islanders have struggled to get past the Hurricanes throughout the series, and they’ll need to put forth a tremendous effort in Game 6 if they hope to keep their dreams of a Stanley Cup alive.
The Islanders will be going all out in Game 6, focusing heavily on hitting and physical play as they look to dominate the Hurricanes (thehockeynews.com). With their season on the line, they’ll need to come out with all guns blazing if they hope to force a Game 7. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, will be looking to clinch the series in front of their home fans (si.com).
Regardless of what happens, Game 6 is sure to be one for the ages. Hockey fans won’t want to miss this pivotal matchup as the Islanders look to continue their incredible playoff run, while the Hurricanes try to close out the series at home (mlive.com).
