By Ryan Bisesi, WRAL multiplatform producer

Carolina Hurricanes	2
New York Islanders	3
F/OT

Raleigh, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes can advance to the second round of the playoffs on Saturday with a fourth-straight win against the New York Islanders.

The Hurricanes have never swept a first-round opponent, although its worth noting they swept the Islanders in the second round in 2019.

On Thursday, the Hurricanes got goals from defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov in the first period and never let go of the lead in a workmanlike 3-2 win to take a commanding 3-0 advantage in the series. It wasn’t the all-out blitzkrieg from Monday night when they dominated offensive zone time and shot attempts, but Carolina enters the weekend with a chance to win a playoff series in ho-hum fashion, a sign of a great team.

In stark contrast to Game 2, the Hurricanes hung on for dear life in the third period and got a couple of big saves from Andersen, the best of which came when he gloved a Alexander Romanov wrist shot from the right faceoff circle while on his side. Andersen made 29 saves and had a presence reminiscent of Game 1, holding off a push from the Islanders with their season on life support. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t confirm Andersen would start until Thursday afternoon, but looked to make the right choice.

“The whole game he was very, very sharp and obviously was the difference,” Brind’Amour said of Andersen.

As to who will start in net for Game 4, there’s a chance Pyotr Kochetkov could get the call as Brind’Amour said the decision is “up in the air” after a busy night for Andersen.

Sebastian Aho scored the third goal on Thursday to give Carolina its second two-goal lead of the night. The Hurricanes won despite trailing New York in shots (31-22) faceoffs won (40 %) and hits (33-22).

With a win, Carolina will most likely next face the New York Rangers, who hold a 3-0 series lead on Washington. The Rangers eliminated the Hurricanes in the second round in 2022 in seven games.

Saturday’s game time is 2 p.m. If needed, Game 5 would be Tuesday night in Raleigh.

Source: wralsportsfan.com