We meet again: Hurricanes and Islanders reunite to open NHL playoffs for 2nd straight year

The Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders are getting another postseason reunion. The teams are meeting in the first round of the NHL playoffs for the second straight season, and this marks the third time the teams will meet in six postseasons. The Hurricanes won both previous matchups, including a six-game series in last year's first round. The Hurricanes are the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook, as they enter Saturday's Game 1 at home in this best-of-7 series.