The New York Islanders lost 4-3 to the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on April 5, extending their losing streak to a season-high four games. Marc Gatcomb, Max Shabanov, and Anders Lee scored for the Islanders, but goals from Seth Jarvis (two), Jackson Blake, and Sebastian Aho secured the win for Carolina. Ilya Sorokin made 36 saves on 40 shots for the Islanders.
This defeat comes as only four regular-season games remain for the Islanders. The team remains in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points but faces pressure as both the Pittsburgh Penguins (94 points) and Columbus Blue Jackets (88 points) have a game in hand over them. The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators also maintain wild card spots after their respective matches.
Scott Mayfield said, “You can’t drop games like this. We haven’t lost four in a row all season and it’s not a good week to do that.” Head Coach Patrick Roy addressed the standings situation: “We’re right there. We’re right there in the standings,” Roy said. “It’s not the time of year we can feel sorry for ourselves. You have to go out there and play, focus on the next game.”
The Islanders were outshot by Carolina 40-16 during a game where they struggled against an aggressive opponent on home ice. Lee commented on Carolina’s performance: “This is one of the best teams in the league, and they’re one of the best teams in the league at home,” he said. “The pressure they put on us tonight was tough for us to break for most of that game.”
Shabanov returned from injury with a goal early in his first appearance since March 13 while George played his third game of this season after being absent since January.
Despite falling behind by two goals early in the third period after Jarvis scored again, Lee narrowed it late but could not find an equalizer before time expired. “If you look at last couple minutes, a lot of those shots could have gone in,” Mayfield said.
Sorokin’s effort was noted by teammates: “It was a one goal game because of him,” Lee said about Sorokin’s performance.
Looking ahead, JG Pageau recorded his 400th career point during this match as well. The Islanders will return home next Thursday against Toronto Maple Leafs after four days off.
