Updated:
Nov 5, 2026 , 03:45 PM ET
• 4 min read
Our NHL expert anticipates Carolina will lay the smackdown on the Islanders tonight.
Photo By – Reuters Connect – Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Carolina has been one of the NHL’s best teams this season; you better believe we’re riding with them as part of my Hurricanes vs. Islanders prediction.
The Carolina Hurricanes bring their sparkling 7-2-2 road record to New York to take on the Islanders at UBS Arena, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.
Get set for the night with our NHL picks for Thursday, Nov. 5.
TOP PICK
Hurricanes vs Islanders prediction: Hurricanes -1.5
The Carolina Hurricanes are just your classic juggernaut. They defend well, break the puck out flawlessly, cycle, and hem you in your own zone until the puck is in the back of the net. They rank first in xGoals, 11th in expected goals against, and 13th in high-danger shots against.
At the helm of this is Pyotr Kotchetkov, whose 1.84 goals-against average and +9.0 goals saved above expected are top 3 in the NHL. The New York Islanders struggle to score goals and will struggle with puck possession in what could very well be a blowout.
COVERS INTEL: The Hurricanes’ power play has been lethal and is getting what it wants in the early parts of the season. Their 11 high-danger shots with the man advantage rank second in the NHL, making this unit a nightmare for opposing penalty kills.Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account 
Hurricanes vs Islanders combo
We’re tailing a hot hand and opportunity with Jackson Blake, who’s riding a seven-game point streak while averaging close to 18 minutes of ice time on the second line. Elsewhere, Bo Horvat had 13 points in October, and his line has an xGoals% of 59.8. If anyone on the Islanders is scoring today, it’ll be the top unit.
Hurricanes vs Islanders combo
- Hurricanes moneyline
- Jackson Blake 1+ point
- Bo Horvat 1+ point
Hurricanes vs Islanders player prop: Jackson Blake 1+ point
Jackson Blake has been on an absolute heater, riding a seven-game point streak with three goals and six assists during that stretch. The 23-year-old leads Carolina with 13 assists and has recorded 17 points in 17 games, including five on the power play.
With a consistent top-six role and 17.44 shot attempts per 60 this season, Blake is getting plenty of opportunities to keep producing.
Hurricanes vs Islanders goal scorer: Logan Stankoven
What makes Logan Stankoven so dangerous is his ability to generate quality scoring chances from prime areas of the ice. With the Islanders’ blue line decimated by injuries, Carolina should have more room to operate offensively.
Combine Stankoven’s shooting volume and high-danger opportunities with a depleted New York defense, and there’s plenty to like about his chances of finding the back of the net tonight.
Hurricanes vs Islanders odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Hurricanes 65% | Islanders 36%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (46%) | Under 6.5 (56%)
- Spread: Hurricanes -1.5 (41%) | Islanders +1.5 (60%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Hurricanes vs Islanders trend
The Under is 4-0 in the Islanders’ last four home games. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Islanders
| Location | UBS Arena, Belmont Park, N.Y. |
| Date | Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Hurricanes vs Islanders latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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