Islanders 2, Hurricanes 1 - (SO)

The Carolina Hurricanes took a one goal lead into the third period but ended up losing to the New York Islanders, 2-1 in a shootout on Tuesday night in New York.

The Canes now have the worst shootout winning percentage (.200) in the league with a 1-5 record.  They also have the most combined overtime/shootout loses in the league with 16.

Kyle Okposo notched the game-winner with a shootout goal off of a pretty move against Carolina goalie Cam Ward.  Okposo was the first shooter and the only one to score in the skills competition.

After a scoreless, tightly checked first period, Derek Ryan got the Hurricanes on the board in the second when he picked up a loose puck that Nathan Gerbe had created with a blocked pass, and beat goalie Thomas Greiss.  Ryan had just been recalled and flew into New York in the morning after having played a game for the Charlotte Checkers in Manitoba the night before.

Ward seemed to be at the top of his game on this night and had a shutout going until the Islanders tied the game with 7:52 left in regulation.  The goal was a powerplay tally after a penalty was called on rookie Brett Pesce for goalie interference when the defensman crashed into the Islanders goalie during a rush.

After some back and forth action the rest of the way, the game went to overtime once again.  The Islanders had just beaten the Canes in overtime in Raleigh on Saturday night but this time, neither team was able to light the lamp in the extra period.

Okposo was the first shooter and he scored easily after a super slick fake.

Ryan got the first call for the Canes and he hit the post.  Ward then stopped both Frans Nielsen and John Tavares but neither Jaccob Slavin or Joakim Nordstrom were able to light the lamp either for Carolina.

The Hurricanes return home quickly and will next take on Eric Staal and the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Game Notes:

• The Canes were outshot 31-27 and were led by Elias Lindholm and Jeff Skinner with five each.  Skinner hit the post on one close play.
• Slavin had a team high 25:23 of ice time.
• Jordan Staal had a team high four hits.  He leads the Canes in hits for the year with 145.
• Event Summary