The Carolina Hurricanes took care of business on home ice in Game 5 of their series against the New York Islanders, wrapping up the first round and setting up a second-round showdown with the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers.
Carolina held three separate two goal leads over the Islanders at 2-0, 3-1, and 5-3 before finally finishing off the Islanders with an empty-netter.
Two goals in eight seconds by Jack Drury and Stefan Noesen gave Carolina that 5-3 lead in the third period that it would not relinquish.
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NHL Playoff Update: Carolina Hurricanes Face New York Rangers in Round Two
Now, after the Rangers swept the Capitals and the Hurricanes handled the Islanders in five, the long-anticipated showdown between the two best teams in the Metropolitan Division is set for the second round.
There is recent playoff history between the two teams, as the Hurricanes swept the Rangers in the qualifying round in the bubble in 2020, and the Rangers beat the Canes in a hard-fought seven game series in the second round in 2022.
Much will be made of all of the talent on display in this series and the developing rivalry between these two franchises before the puck drops for Game 1, but anyone calling this anything other than an even battle is mistaken.
Carolina is deeper and the better defensive team, while the Rangers have more proven high-end scoring ability and the edge between the pipes.
Both groups are elite on special teams and are well-coached, and while anything can happen in the playoffs, it would be a surprise if this series goes fewer than six games, and it will probably go seven.
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