Jean-Gabriel Pageau Game-Time Decision For Islanders, Hurricanes Game 1

It is expected that if Pageau cannot play, Simon Holmstrom will be inserted into the Islanders’ lineup tonight.

Pageau is currently nursing a lower-body injury that held him out of practice with the Islanders yesterday. Pageau was forced to exit the Islanders’ regular season finale on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 9:18 of the first period, never to return.

Having Pageau, even if not at full strength, will allow the Islanders to maintain consistency to start their series with Carolina.

Pageau was one of just four players for the Islanders to play in all 82 regular season games, finishing the year with 11 goals and 22 assists.

His grit and ability as a 200-foot player will be especially helpful against the Hurricanes, a team that’s known for dominating possession in the attacking zone and firing pucks on net at will.

The Hurricanes themselves are also dealing with injury problems. According to Walt Ruff, forward Jesper Fast will not play tonight for Carolina while out with an upper-body injury.

During the regular season, the Islanders had a record of 2-1-1 against the Hurricanes, losing their last matchup back on March 19 by a final of 4-1 at UBS Arena.

This is the second year in a row the Islanders and Hurricanes have met in the first round of the playoffs. Last year’s series ended with the Hurricanes winning in six games.

Puck drop for Game 1 between the Islanders and Hurricanes  from PNC Arena in Raliegh, N.C. is at 5 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcasted nationally on TBS and locally on MSGSN.