The Carolina Hurricanes were idle yesterday, but the Eastern Conference was not.
In the current playoff battle every game that involves one of the Canes Eastern Conference rivals has huge implications on our chances of seeing post-season hockey in North Carolina.
These daily updates to the Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Battle will continue to focus on Eastern teams within 10-12 points of each other. Those teams that solidify their playoff spots with wins – we’re looking at you Rangers – will be dropped from future updates, as will those teams that move out of wild card contention – sorry Ottawa. As long as the Canes are still in the hunt, we will continue to bring you these updates.
Here’s the latest from yesterday’s action.
Overall Hurricanes Status: The New York Rangers took another step in solidifying their future in the post-season. The Ottawa Senators are a game or two away from losing all hope, and have been dropped from today’s update. In the eyes of Canes fans, the Red Wings and Blues did their jobs on Sunday in keeping two of Carolina’s post-season rivals where they were, points-wise, in the standings.
More from Cardiac Cane – Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Battle – February 14th
Current Standings: Monday, February 15
New York Rangers – 70 points – 2nd in Metro
Detroit Red Wings – 67 points – 2nd in Atlantic
Boston Bruins – 66 points – 3rd in Atlantic
New Jersey Devils – 65 points – 3rd in Metro
New York Islanders – 64 points – 1st Wild Card
Tampa Bay Lightning – 64 points – 2nd Wild Card
Pittsburgh Penguins – 63 points
Carolina Hurricanes – 60 points
Philadelphia Flyers – 58 points
Montreal Canadiens – 58 points
Latest in the Eastern Conference: Sunday, February 14
New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings – 1-0 Final
- Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid got his first shootout win, and David Schlemko scored the only goal in this defensive struggle. The win allowed the Devils to leapfrog the idle Islanders in the Metro Division.
Boston Bruins @ Detroit Red Wings – 5-6 Final
- The Bruins started off very quick, with Brad Marchand scoring just eight seconds into the game, setting himself another Bruins record. The Bruins built that into an early 3-1 lead, but the Red Wings came back to tie it and move ahead in this scoring-fest. Red Wings goalie, Petr Mrazek, had a rare weak outing after entering the game as NHL leader in save percentage and goals against.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis Blues – 1-2 Final
- Despite outshooting the Blues 12-4 and controlling most of the play in the first period, the Tampa Bay Lightning simply couldn’t find the back of the net. The Blues did, just 36 seconds into the second period, and made it 2-0 on a controversial (from the Lightning’s perspective) goal from Blue’s Patrik Berglund. Tampa Bay scored a consolation goal with 52 seconds left.
Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Rangers – 1-3 Final
- Henrik Lundqvist was only nine seconds away from back-to-back shutouts, and kept the Rangers in the game when they stumbled defensively. The game started on a couple of “high notes” with two fights before the first period had even warmed up. Ranger Dylan McIlrath challenged Wayne Simmonds just 39 seconds into the first period as a response to Simmonds’ punch that knocked Ryan McDonagh out in February. A few moments later Tanner Glass wound up dropping the gloves with Ryan White.
Today in the Eastern Conference: Monday, February 15
Detroit Red Wings @ New York Islanders – 1:00 pm
- The Red Wings are hoping that Petr Mrazek bounces back after allowing five goals on Sunday. The Islanders are hoping that the return of Johnny Boychuk, sidelined since New Years Eve, will spark the team against the Wings.
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Florida Panthers – 7:30 pm
- The Penguins are hoping that their team’s Father Trip weekend on the Florida beaches has them ready for the hometown Panthers. Coming off one of their most lopsided defeats against the Predators on Saturday, Florida is hoping to avoid a fifth loss in six games against the Pens.
Upcoming in the Eastern Conference: Tuesday, February 16
Winnipeg Jets @ Carolina Hurricanes – 7:00
Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils – 7:00
Boston Bruins @ Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:00
San Jose Sharks @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:30
Next: Hurricanes' Honor the Past and Play for Playoffs
All Canes fans are waiting for word on Cam Ward’s injury, and the return of Justin Faulk to the lineup before Tuesday’s tilt against the Jets. If they put in the same effort that they did Saturday night, and the whole team is healthy, this next stretch of games could be something to watch. Stay Tuned.
Go Canes!