Barzal's Return and Romanov's Absence: Key Updates for Islanders Playoff Game 1.
Mat Barzal is set to return for the Islanders in Game 1 of the NHL playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes, while Alex Romanov remains out. The Islanders are seen as a playoff-tested team with a great goalie, but some believe they are an incomplete team whose flaws will be exposed. The Hurricanes' high-scoring defensemen could be the difference in the series. The playoffs kick off tonight with four games, including the Islanders and Hurricanes at 7:00 EDT.