The Hurricanes and Islanders begin their 2023 first-round series Monday night, and there's a good chance New York fans see a familiar face in the lineup.
Islanders center Mat Barzal has missed the last two months of the season recovering from a lower-body injury, However, he could make his return to the Islanders as the team gears up for their opening series of the playoffs.
New York enters the postseason as the top wild-card team in the Eastern Conference. Despite being without its top scorer, the club was able to secure a playoff berth after missing the postseason in 2022. The Islanders are one of the best defensive teams in hockey, led by goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
MORE: Watch 2023 NHL playoff games on ESPN with Fubo
However, opposing the Isles is a Hurricanes team also known for its ability to keep the puck out of its net. Led by head coach Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina runs one of the best systems in the league, making the matchup with New York all the more intriguing.
The Hurricanes finished atop the Metropolitan Division and are viewed as one of the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about Barzal's status and how to watch Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1.
NHL PLAYOFFS: FULL BRACKET | PREDICTIONS | POWER RANKINGS
Is Mat Barzal playing tonight in Game 1?
A Barzal return for the playoffs has been hinted at for a bit now, but head coach Lane Lambert confirmed on April 14 that Barzal would be in the lineup for Game 1.
The 25-year-old has not played in a game since Feb. 18. He was injured during a contest against the Bruins and diagnosed with a lower-body injury.
Barzal has been practicing with the team. He was skating on the top line right wing spot, with center Bo Horvat and winger Anders Lee. He also returned to his spot on the first power play unit.
What channel is Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1 on?
- TV Channel (U.S.): ESPN2
- TV Channel (Canada): SN360, TVA2
- Live stream (U.S.): ESPN+, ESPN app, Fubo
- Live stream (Canada): SN NOW
The Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1 is set to air live in the United States on ESPN2. Fans in Canada can watch the action on SN360 or TVA Sports 2 for the French-speaking audience.
For those looking to live stream the game, ESPN+ and the ESPN app are options in the United States, in addition to Fubo, which carries all NHL playoff games on ESPN's platforms and has a free trial.
In Canada, streamers can watch the game through SN NOW.
Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1 start time
- Date: Monday, April 17
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1 puck drop is set for Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m. ET.
The game is being held at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Hurricanes vs. Islanders Game 1 odds
Bet365 has the Hurricanes as favorites to win Game 1 over the Islanders.
- Puckline: Hurricanes -1.5 (+160) | Islanders +1.5 (-180)
- Moneyline: Hurricanes -175 | Islanders +155
- O/U: 5.5
Odds provided by Bet365 in the USA (NJ market).
Hurricanes vs. Islanders series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV |
| Mon., April 17 | at Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, SN360, TVAS2 |
| Wed., April 19 | at Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, SN360, TVAS |
| Fri., April 21 | at New York | 7 p.m. | TBS, SN1, TVAS |
| Sun., April 23 | at New York | 1 p.m. | TNT, SN360, TVAS |
| *Tue., April 25 | at Carolina | TBD | TBD |
| *Fri., April 28 | at New York | TBD | TBD |
| *Sun., April 30 | at Carolina | TBD | TBD |
