Reputations at stake as Carolina Hurricanes take on New York Islanders – NHL Preview
The lowly Carolina Hurricanes have done relatively well of late and their performance this month is indeed commendable, but reaching the playoffs is a goal that the Hurricanes might not achieve in this National Hockey League (NHL) season.
The New York Islanders too are struggling and are also not in the safe zone.
As these sides prepare to face each other on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, both have nothing but reputation to protect.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are placed at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 55 points after 58 games.
In this month, the Hurricanes won the first two games, which were followed by a two-game losing streak.
However, the team defeated Montreal Canadiens (5-3) and surprisingly San Jose Sharks (3-2) to get back to winning ways again.
Against Sharks, the Hurricanes got a two-goal lead in the first period.
After the goalless second period, Sharks hit back in the final to score two goals, but Hurricanes managed another scoring move and retained the one-goal lead to get the victory.
Hurricanes’ winger, Jeff Skinner, said after the win:
"First of all, we've got a little bit of confidence. Obviously, the hard work is there. When you combine those two, you can string together some good games."
Islanders
The Islanders are just ranked above the Hurricanes with 56 points after 57 games.
In this month, the Islanders have never won or lost two or more games in a row. Their victory is followed by a defeat and vice versa.
Judging by this pattern, the Islanders could win against Hurricanes as they were defeated by St. Louis Blues in the last game.
Islanders managed a goal in the first minute of the game, but Blues scored five goals to get the victory.
Islanders’ coach, Jack Capuano, said before this game:
"They are all big points right now. We can't dwell on this too much. There are things that we can learn from (Thursday's) game, but we have to get ready for Saturday night."
Predictions
Islanders might win the game.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams will stay under six.
Even if the Hurricanes win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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