2019 Stanley Cup playoffs: May 3 open thread

The Hurricanes can be the first team to reach the conference finals this season with a sweep of the Islanders Friday at PNC Arena.

Carolina is rockin’ like a hurricane with five consecutive victories since an embarrassing 6-0 loss in Game 5 of the first round to Washington. The Islanders, who swept the Penguins in the first round, are on the other side of things this time around. If New York can’t keep their season alive, they’ll be the first team since the 1993 Sabres to sweep one series then get swept in the next round.

Hurricanes: Trevor van Riemsdyk, Teuvo Teravainen, Jaccob Slavin (Steel alum)

The Blues and Stars have traded victories in the first four games, with Dallas taking the last one with a 4-2 home win in Game 4.

Stars: Jamie Oleksiak (Steel alum)

Friday’s schedule

Game 4: Islanders at Hurricanes, 6 p.m. (NBCSN), CAR 3-0

Game 5: Stars at Blues, 8:30 p.m. (NBCSN), Tied 2-2

*All times Central