Eyes on Isles Podcast: Play On!

On the latest edition of the Eyes on Isles Podcast, Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and Andy Francess (@AndyFrancess) react to the Islanders Game 5 win in Carolina that sends the series back to Long Island for Game 6.

They talk about the stand-out play from Ilya Sorokin, the fortunate breaks that went the Islanders way, and the special teams play that continues to struggle. Plus, Lane Lambert changed lines during the game, Noah Dobson's struggles this series, and Scott Mayfield's clutch play.

The Isles did not play a great game last night, but they have enough great moments and great individual performances to find a way to stave off elimination and send this series back to Long Island. Did we love the Isles’ effort last night? No, but this series is probably where it should be, with Carolina up three games to two heading into Game 6 at UBS Arena. For everything that went wrong for the Isles in Game 2, those bounces and breaks went their way in Game 5 to gain back a game they should’ve won.

Most importantly, their difference maker was on the right side of making a difference on this night.

Sorokin had his most influential game of the series, keeping Carolina off the board early when they owned the better of the play and denying the Canes late as they sought the game-tying goal with the extra attacker on for over two minutes in the third.

We don't know what type of effort to expect on Friday night. The Canes have been consistent, regardless of the end result, they've played the same type of game each game this series. The said can't be said of the Islanders, who have played inspiring to undisciplined in the series, but now find themselves in position to win a Game 6 at home and force a decisive Game 7.