Hurricanes Newsstand — March 20

The Hurricanes remain in eighth in the Eastern Conference playoff race after Montreal lost and Florida won last night. Tonight, Carolina plays the front end of back-to-back home games against the NHL's last place team, the New York Islanders.

Also, our condolences to Phil Janack, whose father passed away Wednesday. Phil is the Schnectady Daily Gazette's River Rats beat writer and his blog is one of the first places we go for our Rats news. Everyone at Canes Country sends our deepest sympathies.

Islanders Game Previews

Associated Press: Islanders-Hurricanes preview

New York Post: Isles find reasons to fight on

CarolinaHurricanes.com: Game notes (Islanders and Capitals games)

For an Islanders perspective, visit Lighthouse Hockey.

Hurricanes News

News & Observer: Babchuk dropping some bombs

NHL.com: If the playoffs started today...

ESPN.com: Four years in, sizing up the shootout (A lot of about the acquisition of Jussi Jokinen here)

Albany River Rats

Albany Time Union: Bad year of Red Deer good for Sutter • Rodney out for weekend, Rats searching for a defenseman • Rats try to put positive end to difficult season

Other News

WCHA.com: WHCA announces 2009 men's award winners (McBain cleans up)

Ontario Hockey League: Playoff update Thursday (Mike Murphy and Belleville Bulls lose, 2-1)

ESPN.com: Second-half standings reveal true playoff threats

ScrippsNews: Joshua Jackson Story mentions arrest at 2002 Hurricanes game.

WHIG Standard: No Big Purchases for Murphy, after signing with Hurricanes and win over Sudbury, takes parents out to dinner to celebrate.