RALEIGH, N.C. – In an intense matchup, the New York Islanders edged out the Carolina Hurricanes with a 5-4 victory at PNC Arena on Saturday. Anders Lee’s impressive performance, including scoring for the third consecutive game and adding two assists, was instrumental in the win.
Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, and Mike Reilly each contributed a goal and an assist for the Islanders (16-8-9), who have been on a remarkable run, earning points in 17 of their past 19 games. Goalie Ilya Sorokin made 36 saves, playing a crucial role in fending off the Hurricanes’ offensive efforts.
For the Hurricanes (17-13-4), Teuvo Teravainen, Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, and Stefan Noesen each found the back of the net. Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas each provided two assists, but their efforts weren’t enough to extend the team’s six-game point streak. Pyotr Kochetkov, in goal for Carolina, made 23 saves.
The game began with Aho giving the Hurricanes an early lead, only for Teravainen to tie it soon after. The Islanders then responded with goals from Nelson and Horvat, taking a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. Carolina’s Aho narrowed the gap early in the second period, but Reilly’s goal restored the two-goal cushion for New York.
In the third period, Slavin’s goal brought Carolina closer, but Lee’s goal from the right circle increased the Islanders’ lead again. Noesen’s power-play goal made it a one-goal game, but the Hurricanes couldn’t find the equalizer, despite Necas having a goal disallowed after a video review confirmed a kick-in.
The Islanders’ Cal Clutterbuck noted the chaotic nature of playing the Hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on chances. Despite their recent struggles, Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour remains optimistic. “We’ve played better than our record suggests,” he said, expressing belief in his team’s abilities.
Notable performances included Lee’s ongoing goal and point streak, Noah Dobson’s significant ice time, and Aho’s career-first plus-4 rating in a game. Conversely, Carolina’s Slavin and defenseman Brent Burns each finished with a minus-3 rating.
This victory is significant for the Islanders, showcasing their ability to maintain consistency and secure wins in tightly contested games. The Hurricanes, facing a challenging phase, will aim to turn their fortunes around in upcoming matches.
