Hurricanes vs Islanders Prediction & Odds - 3/30/2025

The surging Carolina Hurricanes welcome the New York Islanders to PNC Arena Sunday afternoon in what could be a make-or-break game for the visitors' playoff hopes.

While Carolina sits comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders find themselves one point out of the final wildcard spot after dropping three straight games – creating a fascinating clash of motivations between a team looking to climb higher and another fighting just to get in.

Sebastian Aho's Hurricanes have dominated this matchup historically with a 6-2-2 record in their last 10 against the Islanders, though New York holds a 2-1 edge in this season's series as they look to complete an unlikely upset against a Carolina home team that's won six of their last seven in Raleigh.

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Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders preview

The New York Islanders roll into PNC Arena Sunday afternoon desperately clinging to their playoff hopes, sitting just one point out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot after dropping three straight games following a promising win streak.

Carolina, meanwhile, looks formidable on home ice having won six of their last seven at PNC Arena, where their league-leading penalty kill could spell trouble for an Islanders team that's converted a measly 12% of their power play opportunities.

Though the Isles lead the season series 2-1, the Canes have historically dominated this matchup with a 6-2-2 record in their last 10 meetings, suggesting this final regular-season showdown could tilt in Carolina's favor.

Keep an eye on Sebastian Aho, who's been Carolina's offensive engine with 66 points, while Bo Horvat leads the Islanders' attack with 49 points in what promises to be a crucial game for New York's postseason aspirations.

The goaltending battle features Frederik Andersen (12-5-0, 2.01 GAA) against likely starter Ilya Sorokin, who'll need to significantly improve after allowing four goals on just 19 shots in his last outing.

What makes this matchup particularly intriguing is the stark contrast between Carolina's sixth-ranked defense allowing just 2.64 goals per game against New York's struggling road defense that's surrendered 10 goals in their last three away games.

Factor in that the Islanders are playing on consecutive nights, and you've got a recipe for tired legs against a rested Hurricanes squad looking to pad their one-point lead over Florida in the Eastern Conference standings.

Expect a tense, physical contest as the desperate Islanders fight for their playoff lives against a Hurricanes team that's finding its stride at the perfect time of year.