RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders are getting another postseason reunion.
The teams are meeting in the first round of the NHL playoffs for the second straight season, and this marks the third time the teams will meet in six postseasons. The Hurricanes won both previous matchups, including a six-game series in last year’s first round.
The Hurricanes are the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook, as they enter Saturday’s Game 1 at home in this best-of-7 series. Carolina is in the playoffs for the sixth time in as many seasons under Rod Brind’Amour, continuing a multi-year push for the Cup that has twice ended in the Eastern Conference Final.
“The consistency’s been great but now we’ve got to take that next step,” team president and general manager Don Waddell said Friday.
Man United overhaul under Ratcliffe extends to new technical director
Weifang: A City of Crafts and Folk Arts
Indian cyclists David Beckham, Ronaldo catch eyes at Asiad
Would you like a cicada salad? The monstrous little noisemakers descend on a New Orleans menu
Developing Smart Agriculture, Helping Farmers Increase Incomes
'Our Life Is the Best China Story'
Jonathan Tetelman recalls his journey from a nightclub DJ to an international opera star