New York at Carolina

New York is 10-1 in Conference Quarterfinals games while Carolina hasn't advanced past the second round since 2019. You need defense to contend in the postseason, especially on the road, and New York has it ranked fifth in the NHL in goals given up (2.65 pg), ninth on the penalty kill (82.2 percent), and second in save percentage (.921). Goalie Ilya Sorokin has a .924 save percentage with a league-leading six shutouts. The Islanders are 8-3 after allowing 2 goals or fewer in the last game. Carolina didn't finish strong dropping six of 11, losing all six as chalk of -150, -135, -230, -210, -180, and -180. Carolina is 81-115 when working with three or more days of rest, plus 61-80 after back-to-back victories by 2 or more goals. And the road team has won five of the last six meetings between these teams. Play New York.