Game Preview: Islanders vs Hurricanes

NEW YORK ISLANDERS (11-8-2) VS CAROLINA HURRICANES (11-8-3)
7 PM | BARCLAYS CENTER | BUY TICKETS
WATCH: MSG+ | MSG GO | NHL.TV
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The New York Islanders are finding that the best way to keep pace in an ultra-tight Metropolitan Division - is to be really good against their division.
The Islanders are 8-1-0 against Metro opponents this season and are counting on their strong divisional play when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night (7 p.m., MSG+).

"To me this is like a playoff game," Head Coach Barry Trotz said. "This is Carolina and if you're going to be a playoff team this is a team that's right in front of you."
The Hurricanes (25 points) are one point ahead of the Islanders (24 points) with both teams on the brink of the Eastern Conference Wild Card. In total, seven points separate first-place Columbus (28 points) from last-place Pittsburgh (21 points) in the Metro.
"There's twists and turns through a season, but I can't remember ever so many teams so close," Trotz said. "We haven't separated ourselves. Everyone is battling for every inch right now. It should be a fun time. It's not going to be an easy time."

NYI LEADS SEASON SERIES 2-0-0

The Islanders have won both meetings with the Hurricanes this season, taking each game by a 2-1 margin. Thomas Greiss was in net for both wins, stopping 83 of 85 shots in the process.

ISLANDERS NOTES:

The Islanders are coming off a 4-3 OT win over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. The win over the Devils improved the Islanders to 8-1-0 against the Metropolitan Division this season. The Islanders next two opponents (Carolina, Washington) are divisional rivals.
The Islanders have won six of their last meetings against the Hurricanes.
Anthony Beauvillier has six points (4G, 2A) in his last four games.
Valtteri Filppula has six assists in his last five games.

HURRICANES NOTES:

The Hurricanes have won three games in a row, most recently beating the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Friday night. Carolina is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.
Justin Faulk will play in his 500th career game on Saturday night.
Sebastian Aho leads the Hurricanes with 25 points (7G, 18A) this season. Michael Ferland leads the Hurricanes with 11 goals.

Graphic courtesy of Islanders PR