The Upshot: NY Islanders Overwhelmed By Hurricanes Surge

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was a demoralizing Game 2 for the NY Islanders, falling to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3. Struggling to get their feet underneath them, the Islanders weathered the storm for the first 15 minutes of the game before Kyle Palmieri opened the scoring. Into the waning moments of the first period, Casey Cizikas and Mat Barzal worked the forecheck, finding Bo Horvat in the high slot who hammered home a one-timer for a two-goal lead heading into the second. The Isles lead grew less than four minutes into the second stanza for Anders Lee's first of the series. From there it was all downhill. The Isles struggled to generate any offense but held a two-goal lead into the third. Just over halfway through the period, Seth Jarvis pulled the 'Canes within one. Rod Brind'Amour elected to pull the goalie with a little over three minutes remaining, and soon after, Sebastian Aho knotted the game at three. Looking like the Islanders would have their opportunity in OT, a misplayed puck behind their own goal led to a Jordan Martinook goal just nine seconds later, giving the 'Canes a 4-3 lead. A Jake Guentzel empty net goal was the final nail in the coffin.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Isles three-goal lead would have been more deserving in Game 1, where they played a much better game. They struggled to generate scoring chances but made the most of their opportunities. Semyon Varlamov was under siege all night but was much stronger in goal than the final score represents.

A three-goal lead for most teams is probably a comfortable cushion and enough to close the door on the opposition - but those who have followed the Islanders all season know that no lead is safe, and that has caught up to this team in the playoffs.

WHAT WENT WRONG

This game could have gotten out of hand with the amount of puck possession and shots toward the net from the Hurricanes. There was a 5-1 disparity on the power play, but the Islanders never gave themselves much of an opportunity to get a call their way. It was utter domination from the Hurricanes all night long.

There's little that can be said about a game like this, as the Isles will have to take it as any other loss and prepare for Game 3 at home.

"We don't have a choice. This one f****** hurts," said Anders Lee. " I don't have much words for you right now on that. We're five minutes after what just happened. Right now we're dealing with the sting."

STATS OF THE GAME

• The Islanders were outshot 39-12 on the night, their lowest shot total on the season, and out-attempted 110-28.

• The Islanders were held to one shot on goal in the final 35 minutes of the game.

• The Isle shave blown 25 third period leads this season

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

This would have been a lot better if the Islanders walked away with a win, but Kyle Palmieri's son Luca is clearly playoff-ready.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Islanders will look for their first win of the season as they head back to UBS Arena for Game 3 on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm.