Carolina Hurricanes: A Look at the Remaining Games of the Season

The Carolina Hurricanes still remain in the hunt for the postseason. Let’s take a look at their chances in the remaining games of the season.

In dramatic fashion, the Carolina Hurricanes have totally turned their season around. Down and out in February, the Canes have played near perfect in March. They’ve played so well, that it’s been their best run in a decade. They sit only 5 points out with 9 games to go.

To get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, the Hurricanes have their work cut out for them. Luckily, they have the most games left to play out of all NHL teams. Considering they are also the hottest team in the league, why not dream a little? Here’s what they have to get through to make it to the promised land.

The home stretch starts with a weird back to back set against the Red Wings, both at home for Carolina. Thanks to that weird ice problem earlier in the year, Carolina and Detroit will duel on back to back nights. In their only meeting this season, the Wings won 4-2 back in October. Two home games against a weak Detroit team screams must win for the Canes.

From that point onward, the Carolina Hurricanes enter a tough series of match-ups. They close out their home stand hosting Columbus on March 30th and Dallas on April 1st. Columbus is battling for seeding in the playoffs and has been dynamite this season. The Jackets have won 2 of the previous 3 games in this season, but Carolina won at home, so maybe the good vibes continue?

The final 9 days of the season sees the Hurricanes playing 6 times, all of which are against good teams. After Dallas, the Canes will go to Pittsburgh in the late afternoon. Not only is it a back to back, but its away visiting the Pens and it’s earlier than normal. If Carolina somehow notches a point out this game, that would be incredible.

That game is followed up but a visit to Eric Staal’s new home and the Minnesota Wild. The Canes best game of the year was probably their win over the Wild this month. They are going to need that level of effort and then some to get a win on the road. Minnesota has only lost 13 times at home this year.

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In the third to last game this year, the Hurricanes host the Islanders. Right now, even though Boston holds the spot, the Islanders project to overtake them by season’s end. This game might very well decide who takes the last wild card spot (assuming Carolina continues their run). The Canes are 3-0-1 against their Brooklyn rivals and have potted 22 goals in those games.

Depending on that Islander game, the final two contests may mean everything or nothing at all. First, the Canes host the Blues, who have the last playoff spot in the West all but locked up. The following day, the Hurricanes will end their regular season in Philadelphia. The last time they were up there, they lost in overtime.

At the moment, the playoff cut line is hovering in between 91 and 92 points. To truly secure the spot, the Hurricanes are probably going to need at least 94 points. If they win every remaining game, that gives them 97 points.

So, for everything to end perfectly, the Carolina Hurricanes have to end their season by getting 15 of 18 available points at a minimum. That means they need a record of 6-0-3 or better. If Carolina somehow did that, they’d end the year on a 14-0-6 run. That would be absolutely insane.

Next: The Hurricanes Are Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah Staying Alive

To be perfectly honest, its pretty incredible the Canes have been able to even give themselves a chance. In all likelihood, there won’t be playoff hockey in Raleigh this year. At the same time, just enjoy this ride. This the best this team has played since 2009 and frankly it’s just fun to be excited about Canes hockey this time of year again.

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