RALEIGH, N.C. – Mike Reilly was very interested in returning to the Islanders, even after being a frequent healthy scratch once he returned from a heart condition issue that sidelined him for a significant portion of last season. That interest was not reciprocated.

The New York Islanders' most recent trip to the playoffs in April 2024 was marred by an inability to hold onto leads and a tendency to allow goals in spurts during a five-game loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri gave the Isles a 2-0 lead for the third straight game, as they scored in the first 4:52, but the Bruins grabbed control of the game in the second period when they had ten of the first 11 shots and scored three times.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes NHL game to be played on October 30, 2025 on ESPN.

Romanov returns to the Islanders' blue line to face the Hurricanes, bolstering their defense for a crucial matchup.

Snapshots from the New York Islanders morning skate ahead of their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Photos by Madison Peyser/New York Islanders.

Guernsey Waste is calling on islanders to ditch fireworks safely on bonfire night, warning that careless disposal could be dangerous for bin crews and recycling staff. Douglas But

The Islanders haven’t played a team that’s considered a surefire playoff outfit in two weeks, since they started that win streak at home against Edmonton. That is about to change.