RALEIGH, N.C. — The Islanders played just well enough to believe until the moment their goal became impossible.

They bowed out of the season on Tuesday evening after scratching and clawing their way back from an early deficit before the third period did them in. 

<button class="button button--modal-trigger" aria-label="Open the image in a modal." data-modal-image="31885186"> 
</button>
<figcaption>Islanders center Kyle Palmieri (21) and Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) battle for the puck <span class="credit">USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con</span></figcaption>

They bowed out in five games to a superior Carolina Hurricanes team, 6-3, in a game and in a series that followed the throughline of the season. Close enough to rip hearts into pieces.

They bowed out, and it might be the end of the franchise’s most successful era since the Dynasty.

They bowed out of the season on Tuesday evening after scratching and clawing their way back from an early deficit before the third period did them in.{ai:summary}<p>The Islanders fought hard but fell short against Carolina Hurricanes in a season-ending defeat. A valiant effort ended in heartbreak as they bowed out in five games.  #sports</p>

Islanders undone by poor third period for season-ending loss to Hurricanes in Game 5

Loading...