Islanders/Hurricanes:

We begin the 2018-19 NHL Regular Season in North Carolina, as the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes look to start off another campaign on the right foot. 

Carolina and New York finished 3rd last and 2nd last in the Metropolitan Division last year, respectively. Both have gone through some major overhauls, and the more obvious to the naked eye would be the Islanders. 

The Islanders saw two very significant events this past Summer, but most will only remember the one for the worse; the departure of Franchise Superstar John Tavares. While Tavares leaving for Toronto created a huge setback in talent, leadership, and first line cohesion, there was an offset around the same time that not many people are focusing on. That would be the hiring of reigning Stanley Cup winning coach Barry Trotz. 

While Tavares is one big loss, a large part of the reason for the failure of the Islanders last year was the lack of an established Head Coach. Doug Weight had taken over duties upon the release of Jack Capuano late in the 2016-17 season, and did very well with the Islanders. However, Doug Weight is not a natural coach, nor was he overly passionate in the role, as he was leaning more towards managerial positions. His style mainly focused on offense with little regard for defense. It was a kamikaze pedal to the metal approach which resulted in a lot of high scoring games, but often for the worse. The scoring lines were always buzzing, and looking for quick schemes on offense to generate a lot of scoring opportunities. It often led to run and guns for 60 minutes or more. 

The acquisition of Barry Trotz will not see puck possession numbers increase too much, but it is a heck of a lot more structured than what was in place. Although Trotz is more of a defensive/ opportunistic coach, he does not have CORSI philosophies like some of the other elite coaches. Trotz is more about grit and positional strategy, and has made a legacy through toughness and a hard nosed approach. 

Today, despite a gaping hole down the middle, I expect the Islanders to carry over their speedy predatory instinct from last season, except with a lot more of a game plan and actual defensive awareness. 

The Carolina Hurricanes, though finishing only 3 points above the Islanders last season, operated on a completely different style.  While the Islanders ranked 4th last in CORSI last season, the Hurricanes were the number one puck possession team in that aspect. Both teams exchanged blows with a 2-2 series split last season. 

Carolina, however, comes into this season as a very confused team. While people only seem to remember the big loss in Tavares, the Hurricanes might actually be the one who suffers more tonight. First off, budding youngster Victor Rask will begin the season on the shelf, Jeff Skinner is no longer on the team, the defense saw a significant swap between Noah Hanifin and Dougie Hamilton, the goaltenders from last season are not present tonight. Perhaps most importantly, however, is that Bill Peters is no longer the head coach of this team. 

I think the makeover with this team will force some early season adjustments to be made in order for the ideal gel to come into play. In regards to coaching, Bill Peters had a very unique puck possession system. Although Rod Brind A’mour has been under his wing, it will be interesting to see what approach he takes in tweaking the system so that it is actually effective. 

All in all, I feel as though the first game could be a huge struggle for the Canes. If they continue to go for CORSI puck possession, they may be exposed by a more free spirited team that finally has some fundamental structure. If they choose to sway away from puck possession, it is going to take them awhile to figure out how the new style works. 

With Trotz being very pleased with what he has seen in practice, I see a highly value gifted line on the road team looking to prove the World wrong this season. 

Islanders moneyline +146  1*