NHL Playoffs Wednesday: Dietel on Hurricanes v Islanders

> Best Bet
HURRICANES (-130) over Islanders

> The Skinny
Carolina has played extremely well against the Islanders, who have been floundering this series. Dropping two games at home to start Round 2 was not the ideal start that New York wanted, but it’s what they are stuck with now. The sweep of Pittsburgh coupled with a long break between series has really made them quite sluggish. The fans in Raleigh will be bringing it in PNC Arena, giving them that extra boost they need to go up 3-0. Sure, G Petr Mrazek went down with an injury last game but Curtis McElhinney, who would be making his first career postseason start, is a serviceable backup and he does have three playoff appearances in relief (1-1, 2.62, .900). The Carolina defense certainly won’t hang him out to dry and that along with the fact that the Isles simply don’t score many goals makes us comfortable in choosing Carolina.