The New York Islanders are staring at a game that can say a lot about them on Nov. 5.
A win over the Carolina Hurricanes would not just add two points. It would go a long way toward giving the Islanders’ season some real credibility. New York enters at 7-5-2 with 16 points, sitting in the middle of the Metropolitan Division, while Carolina arrives alone atop the standings at 12-3-2 with 26 points.
That backdrop only sharpens the challenge. The Hurricanes come in as the defending Stanley Cup Champions, and both teams have built their identities on defense. The Islanders have allowed just 2.71 goals per game, the fifth-best mark in the NHL, while Carolina has paired its stingy structure with a league-best plus-24 goal differential.
Head coach Peter DeBoer said the key against Carolina is surviving the pressure and making clean decisions under it.
“I think when you're playing Carolina, you have to understand you're going to get heavy pressure, and you have to execute under pressure, and that's not just the defensemen; it's everybody,” DeBoer said per Shannon Bickert. “They make you play a game where you have to win multiple one-on-one confrontations in order to advance the puck to the next spot, and in order to create a scoring chance, so I think if you get your head around that going into the game, it gives you a chance.”
The Hurricanes’ style shows up everywhere. They’ve already piled up 361 hits, and they bring a heavy, aggressive game in all three zones.
The Islanders are expected to turn to Semyon Varlamov for his fifth start of the season. He enters at 1-1-2 with a 2.40 GAA.
Wednesday’s practice offered a look at the lines. Simon Holmström skated with Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, while Emil Heineman lined up with Brayden Schenn and Victor Eklund. Ondřej Palát centered JG Pageau and Anthony Duclair, and Kyle MacLean worked with Casey Cizikas and Mitchell Chaffee.
On defense, Logan Stanley paired with Matthew Schaefer, Adam Pelech skated alongside Tony DeAngelo, and Matt Kessel was with Scott Mayfield.
The extras were Ben Hutton, Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli. Hutton is on a PTO, while Barzal, Pulock and Maccelli all skated in red, non-contact uniforms.
Eklund is one of the names to watch in this matchup. He enters the game with a team-high 39 hits in 14 games, which fits the tone of a night against a physical Carolina team.
Sebastian Aho leads the Hurricanes with 21 points, coming from nine goals and 12 assists.
The Islanders are trying to bounce back after a 4-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 1.
Carolina had its four-game winning streak snapped by the Nashville Predators on Nov. 3.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. CT at UBS Arena.
In Other News...
Hurricanes Face One Last Test Before Finland After Flat Nashville Loss
A flat loss in Nashville left Carolina with a little extra urgency heading into its final stop before Finland, and the road test against the Islanders now carries more weight than a typical pre-trip game. The Hurricanes want a cleaner performance before shifting their focus overseas for games against the Seattle Kraken, and they have at least some encouraging injury news as they try to get back on track.
Taylor Hall may be available for Carolina, a potential boost as the lineup starts to take shape again. The Islanders, meanwhile, are dealing with several absences of their own, which adds another layer to a matchup that already has a different feel with travel looming. Matthew Schaefer is one name to watch for Carolina, while Anthony Duclair gives New York another player who can swing the tone of the night. [Read more 🡒]
Shayne Gostisbehere Is Forcing A Bigger Hurricanes Decision
Shayne Gostisbehere has become one of the early drivers of Carolinas strong start to the 2026-27 season, giving the Hurricanes exactly the kind of offensive punch they hoped for from the blue line. He has been dangerous at even strength and on the power play, and the way the team has used him in favorable offensive situations has helped maximize what he does best.
The bigger question now is what comes next. Gostisbehere is on an expiring contract, and while he has said he is open to discussions, he is also taking the season day-by-day, which leaves Carolina with a decision it cannot avoid for long. When a defenseman is tilting the ice this effectively, the conversation stops being just about production and starts becoming about whether the Hurricanes can keep him in the fold. [Read more 🡒]
Hurricanes About To Test The Islanders Most Unexpected Spark
The Islanders come out of a four-day break with a matchup that should fit their usual defensive script, and it comes against a Carolina team that has been just as stingy in its own end. With both clubs ranking near the top in goals allowed per game, this has the feel of a game where space will be hard to find and every shift will matter.
One of the more interesting pieces for New York has been Victor Eklund, the top prospect who has quickly earned a regular role by bringing an aggressive edge to the lineup. Head coach Peter DeBoer has praised the way Eklund plays, and his presence gives the Islanders a different kind of energy as they head into a test against a Hurricanes team that rarely makes anything easy. [Read more 🡒]