Two teams in a hunt for the playoffs start a home and home series tonight at the Barclay Center in New York City. The Islanders play their first home game in 2 weeks. The 9 game road trip started brutally as they dropped six of the first 7 games before winning the last two. They are currently in 4th place in the Metropolitan Divison, one point behind the 3rd place Washington Capitals who have played one more game. 

The Hurricanes are currently in 5th place in the Metropolitan Division, five points behind the Islanders. More importantly, they are one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Because of the overall strength of the Metropolitan Division, both wild card teams will probably come from the Metropolitan. The Hurrricanes are banged up as Mikko Koivu, Kris Versteeg, Mark Streit and Kyle Quincey are expected the miss the series. 

Good seats are still available for tonight's game.