Last Word On Hockey
NHL News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors
Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey, where we preview and predict the upcoming slate of NHL games around the league each day. This article will preview and predict the matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders. Check out our NHL Predictions throughout the 2024-25 season and follow along with your favourite teams.
TV: FDSNSO; MSGSN; ESPN+
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T.)
The Hurricanes travel up to Long Island to take on the Islanders for the third of four times this season. These Metropolitan Division foes seem to be finding themselves across the ice from each other a lot of late with back-to-back playoff matchups the last two seasons. But it’s a new season and these teams are both looking for a win here. Even if that might come from different sides of the standings.
The Hurricanes have finally found some consistency after a bit of a slump for some time. They enter this one riding a four-game winning streak. Seth Jarvis has been the man to watch of late with seven points and five goals in his last five games. This included a big four-point night in the Hurricanes last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s no secret that Jarvis can be a spark plug for this team when needed. And that is something they seem to need even during their winning streak. During that stretch, and even including the two losses before, the only game they scored first in was against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Every other time they find themselves having to come out of an early hole. With Frederik Andersen getting his 300th win on Thursday, expect to see Pyotr Kochetkov in net for this one.
But the biggest story coming out of Carolina was the massive trade they pulled to acquire Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall. They did lose Martin Necas and Jack Drury in this deal so it will be interesting to see how that affects things right out of the gate. Be sure to check game day lineups for fantasy purposes.
The Islanders find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are looking to build some momentum with hopes of sneaking into a wild card spot. While it seems somewhat unlikely, the Eastern Conference wild card race is so tight right now it’s not unrealistic. They are on the back side of a back-to-back following a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night. That also was their third win in a row at home, where they will be against Carolina in this one.
Special teams have been a struggle for the Islanders as they rank last in the league on both the penalty kill and power play. Bo Horvat is tied for the team lead in points and has six over the last five games. With Ilya Sorokin taking the start Friday, expect to see Marcus Hogberg in net here. But always check game day lineups for fantasy purposes.
Both teams are coming into this one following a victory. The Islanders are at home while the Hurricanes are likely the stronger team on paper, especially with the new acquisitions. But sometimes teams see an instant bump from making such an acquisition while other times teams have an adjustment period to get chemistry developed. Meanwhile, this will be the second of a back-to-back for the Islanders.
Prediction: Carolina wins 4-2
Looking at bets for the night, take Brock Nelson as an any time goal scorer for the Islanders with +280 odds. For Carolina, I’d look at Jarvis with +230 odds. The money line is set at -184 in favour of the Hurricanes.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Alec Roberson grew up in coastal North Carolina, taking a somewhat unconventional path to hockey. With hockey being almost nonexistent in that area, Alec found his passion for the game following the success of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2001 and 2006 and later played club hockey in college. After going through law school and practicing for some time, he now continues his love for the game through writing. Find him on twitter @roberson_alec
Share your thoughts and join the discussion
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Sep 21, 2020
Jun 23, 2025
May 23, 2022
Sep 18, 2018
Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.
Your ultimate destination for honest sports coverage, analysis, and breaking news since 2011.
Get the latest sports news delivered to your inbox.
© 2025 Last Word on Sports. All rights reserved.
Built with ♥ by LWOS Development Team