Islanders' playoff hopes take another crushing blow with loss to Hurricanes

Season-worst skid continues as Isles fall 4-3 in critical game

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Islanders suffered a devastating 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, extending their season-worst losing streak to four games and dealing a major blow to their playoff hopes. Despite a strong performance from goaltender Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders were outmatched and outplayed by the Hurricanes, who dominated possession and exposed defensive breakdowns throughout the game.

Why it matters

The Islanders' loss puts them in a precarious position in the playoff race, as they now face the possibility of being passed in the standings by several teams in the coming days. With only four games left, the Islanders will need to win out or come close in order to save their season and avoid missing the playoffs for a second straight year.

The details

The Islanders were thoroughly outclassed by the Hurricanes, managing just four shots in the first period and two in the second. Carolina was faster, more physical, and played with greater urgency, leading to defensive breakdowns and scoring chances for the home team. Despite Sorokin's heroics, the Islanders fell behind 3-2 entering the third period and were unable to mount a comeback, with the Hurricanes scoring early in the final frame to make it 4-2. An Anders Lee goal late in the game saved some face, but did little to hide the Islanders' poor performance.

  • The Islanders' loss on April 4, 2026 extended their season-worst losing streak to four games.
  • The Islanders' next game is on April 6, 2026 at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender, who singlehandedly kept his team in the game with a strong performance.

Sebastian Aho

The Hurricanes' forward who scored a shorthanded goal to make it 3-2 in the second period.

Andrei Svechnikov

The Hurricanes' forward who assisted on the team's fourth goal to make it 4-2 early in the third period.

Seth Jarvis

The Hurricanes' forward who scored the team's fourth goal to make it 4-2 early in the third period.

Anders Lee

The Islanders' captain who scored a late goal to make it 4-3 and save some face for his team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Forget collapse. This is what capitulation looks like.”

— Ethan Sears, Author

“They simply did not come ready to play, all of 24 hours after Roy took the blame for his team being unready against the Flyers.”

— Ethan Sears, Author

What’s next

The Islanders will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 6, 2026 in a must-win game as they try to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

The Islanders' dismal performance against the Hurricanes has put their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy, as they now face the prospect of being passed in the standings by several teams in the coming days. With only four games left, the Islanders will need to show a level of fight and urgency that was sorely lacking in this game if they hope to salvage their season and secure a postseason berth.