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Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders: Game Preview and Storm Advisory

The Hurricanes take on a recent playoff opponent in the New York Islanders in Raleigh.

By Andrew Ahr

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Jamie Kellner

Carolina Hurricanes (20-7-3) at Columbus Blue Jackets (13-12-7)

2021 Regular Season Game 31
Monday, March 22, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. ET

Nationwide Arena - Columbus, Ohio

Watch: Fox Sports Carolinas
Listen: 99.9 The Fan

SBN Opposition: Jackets Cannon

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The Hurricanes take on the Islanders tonight as they try to build on their perfect record so far this season. Tonight marks the first matchup between the two teams since the Hurricanes swept the Islanders in the second round of the postseason last spring.

Vital Statistics

Category Hurricanes Blue Jackets
Category Hurricanes Blue Jackets
Record 21-7-3 13-13-7
Goals/Game 3.23 2.54
Goals Against/Game 2.48 3.12
Shots/Game 31.52 28.70
Face Off Win % 54.4% 46.2%
Power Play % (Rank) 30.6% (1st) 14.8% (26th)
Penalty Kill % (Rank) 82.9% (9th) 74.0% (26th)
ES Corsi For % 53.04% 46.16%
ES PDO 100.96 99.42
PIM/Game 07:21 06:43

Goaltender #1

Category James Reimer Joonas Korpisalo
Category James Reimer Joonas Korpisalo
Record 12-4-1 8-10-5
Save % 0.909 .900
GAA 2.68 2.98

Goaltender #2

Category Alex Nedeljkovic Elvis Merzlikins
Category Alex Nedeljkovic Elvis Merzlikins
Record 7-2-2 5-3-2
Save % .930 .912
GAA 1.96 2.91

Game Notes

  • The Hurricanes and Islanders are meeting for the first of four matchups between the teams this season. The Isles had the Hurricanes number during the regular season last year, posting a 3-1-0 record. That record included a win in overtime in the Canes home opener.
  • But things were different when the two teams met in the postseason. The Hurricanes swept the Islanders in the second round of the playoffs last spring. Teuvo Teravainen led the way during that series, picking up three goals and two assists in four games.
  • Andrei Svechnikov has been on fire to start the season, recording six assists in the first four matchups. Svechnikov played 22 games before reaching six assists during his rookie year.
  • The Hurricanes are 4-0 to start the season for just the second time in franchise history. They’re looking to start a season at 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.
  • Julien Gauthier will make his NHL debut tonight - finally - after being recalled on Wednesday to cover for Jordan Martinook’s absence due to a core muscle injury. Martinook will undergo surgery today, and we send our best wishes that it goes well!

Storm Advisory

  • This NHL mailbag is packed with high praise for the Canes. [Yahoo]
  • The Hockey News is also talking up the Hurricanes. [The Hockey News]
  • This is pretty awesome.
  • A Raleigh startup is leading the way in fan engagement, and they’ve partnered with the Canes, UNC, and Duke. [N&O]
  • The Checkers are bringing back a well received policy from last season. Click through to see the whole thread. Included: Ted Nugent (!), the Black-Eyed Peas (!!), and the national anthem of Sweden (!!!).
  • Lee Stempniak reflects on a very underrated - and well-traveled - NHL career. [The Athletic]
  • What does new Sun Devils goalie coach Eddie Lack bring to the position?