The New York Islanders begin the second-half of their 2011-12 season on the road Tuesday, as they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC (7 p.m. on MSG+). The Islanders (19-22-7, 45 points) begin the last half of the year 10 points behind the Eastern Conference's last playoff, while the Hurricanes (18-24-9, 45) are in the same position.
The Islanders ended the first half of the season with back-to-back losses to the Toronto Maples Leafs -- Jan. 23-24. All-Star John Taveras also ended his first half on a sour note, as he had his NHL season-high 12-game point streak snapped against Toronto. However, Taveras did tally a goal and an assist in Sunday's All-Star game.
Behind Taveras strong play, the Islanders currently have a two-game winning streak over Carolina, which had won the previous six games against the Isles.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are looking for a season-best four-game home winning streak. Before the break, Carolina got 29 saves from goaltender Cam Ward to help down the Winnipeg Jets, 2-1.
For more on Islanders hockey, visit the SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey, while Canes Country has everything on the Hurricanes.