The Carolina Hurricanes have sprung to life of late winning three of their last four games. It's still too little too late though, and I don't see how the second worst team in the East are supposed to keep up with the second best team in the Conference. The Islanders are only one point back of Montreal for the top spot and need all the points they can get to keep the Rangers behind them to stay top of the Metropolitan Division themselves.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Islanders Offense - The Islanders are one of the most productive teams in the NHL with their 3.10 goals per game which rises to 3.55 goals per game on home ice. Their captain John Tavares is tied for the lead in the league with his 64 points and has played some impressive hockey of late scoring five goals and adding eight assists over his last eight games.

2. Road Woes - The Canes have recorded a total of 23 wins all season, and only nine of those have come outside of Carolina. They could be in big trouble here as the Islanders have won seven straight when hosting a team with a road winning percentage below .400.

3. X-Factor - The Islanders will be looking to complete the season sweep here, outscoring the Canes 13-7 over the first three meetings with Tavares involved in seven of those goals.


Selection: This is a play on the New York Islanders (5*)