The pressure is on for the New York Islanders as they face the Carolina Hurricanes in a critical Game 3 on Thursday. Down 0-2 in the series, it’s a must-win situation for them to avoid elimination.

The Islanders understand the challenge. They need to win four out of the next five games to advance. History isn’t on their side, as only a handful of teams have overcome a 3-0 deficit in NHL playoff history.

New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes

Despite the odds, the Islanders are determined to bounce back. They hope to put their Game 2 collapse, where they surrendered a 3-0 lead, behind them. A strong performance at home, fueled by their passionate fans, is crucial for their playoff hopes.

The Hurricanes, however, present a formidable challenge. Their defense is among the league’s best, although they’ll be missing injured defenseman Brett Pesce. Tony DeAngelo will take his place, and he is looking to make a positive contribution.

The Islanders need to address their offensive struggles. They had difficulty entering the Hurricanes’ zone and generating sustained pressure in Game 2. Finding ways to break out of their defensive zone and create scoring opportunities will be key for their survival.