(5-5  +3.27 units)

Islanders/Hurricanes:

The New York Islanders will be looking for a better start to today’s game, as all three of their games so far this season has begun with the team on their toes in the first period and relying on the goaltender. Coach Barry Trotz made it clear in the morning skate that some changes would be made to ensure a start that was more in the hands of New York.

The Carolina Hurricanes, on the other hand, are off to a fantastic 4-0 start and remain one of just two undefeated teams left in the NHL. Though they do look dominant and efficient with their puck moving, three of their four wins took extra time.

Coming into today, we have a bit of a story brewing.

The Islanders will be looking to be more defensive in the early going after allowing the Oilers to capitalize on too many good looks, while Carolina will be looking to build off last game against Florida..which was their first regulation win. My main person of influence here is Isles Head Coach Barry Trotz.

While momentum crash led to a sweep of the Islanders by the Hurricanes in the Playoffs last season, Trotz has operated with a winnable style in Raleigh, as New York won both Regular Season meetings in PNC Arena by the score of 2-1 in each. While the Canes focus highly on puck possession numbers, Trotz coaches an opportunistic style that is designed to break the rhythm of high CORSI teams. With even more added focus on the need to fill in defensive holes, look for the Islanders to really aim for a complete game here.

While all I see on Twitter from Islanders fans is crying about Tom Kuhnackl being on the second line, I think Trotz has a true plan here. I expect Carolina to be caught off guard, and Islanders Thomas Greiss has also had good success in Carolina over the past few seasons (4-0 in last four starts).

Islanders moneyline +155  1*