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Islanders show flashes of brilliance, but same problems turn up again in loss to Hurricanes
The Islanders lost 5-3 to the Hurricanes at UBS Arena, despite recovering from an early two-goal deficit to level the score at three. Their strong second period showed they could compete with the defending champions, but a slow start and a fading third period again proved costly.
Victor Eklund tied the game late in the second, and Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves after conceding twice on Carolina’s first three shots. The Islanders went scoreless on all four power plays, struggled to break out in the third and fell behind when William Carrier scored with 5:08 remaining; Jalen Chatfield added an empty-net goal. It was their second consecutive regulation loss and extended their winless run against Carolina to 22 months.
In short
- Islanders fell 5-3 after twice battling back.
- A scoreless power play and third-period fade proved costly.
- The defeat was their second straight in regulation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Islanders’ comeback showed they can match a leading side when they sustain pressure and play with confidence. Eklund’s equaliser and Varlamov’s 34 saves offer grounds to see the loss as a narrow setback with signs of progress, rather than proof that the team cannot compete.
The case against
The repeated slow start, ineffective power play and third-period breakdown suggest the Islanders have not solved the problems that keep costing them games. Against a strong opponent, flashes of resilience count for little if they cannot maintain their level or convert chances when the match is close.