Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Battle – February 16th

The Carolina Hurricanes had another day off from the playoff grind, but they did get some practice in. Unfortunately they were still missing two key players on the ice.

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.

Today’s update from the Eastern Conference playoff battle includes all the teams between the New York Rangers at 70 points, and the Montreal Canadiens at 58. Five of these teams were in action on President’s Day, with four of them able to affect the Hurricanes playoff outlook with a win or loss.

The Canes held a normal practice in Raleigh on Monday, but it didn’t bring the news that Caniacs wanted. Goalie Cam Ward was on the ice with goalie coach David Marcoux prior to the start of practice, but didn’t stay for the full session. Justin Faulk was absent from the ice altogether.

Here’s the latest from yesterday’s action.

Overall Hurricanes Status: After helping the Canes by winning on Sunday, the Red Wings did them no favors on Monday by losing to the Islanders, and letting the Isles move another two points up the standings.

More from Cardiac Cane – Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Battle – February 15th

Current Standings: Tuesday, February 16

New York Rangers – 70 points – 2nd in Metro
Detroit Red Wings – 67 points – 2nd in Atlantic
New York Islanders – 66 points – 3rd in Metro
Boston Bruins – 66 points – 3rd in Atlantic
New Jersey Devils – 65 points – 1st Wild Card
Tampa Bay Lightning – 64 points – 2nd Wild Card
Pittsburgh Penguins – 64 points
Carolina Hurricanes – 60 points
Philadelphia Flyers – 58 points
Montreal Canadiens – 58 points

Latest in the Eastern Conference: Monday, February 15

Detroit Red Wings @ New York Islanders – 1-4 Final

• After a rough loss to the Hurricanes two nights ago, the Islanders were glad to return home and get back to winning. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist to spark a three-goal second period. Josh Bailey, Marek Zidlicky and Ryan Strome also scored to help the Islanders win for the fourth time in five games, and it was New York’s fourth straight home win while outscoring opponents 22-7 during that stretch.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Florida Panthers – 1-2 Finale (SO)

• After spending the vast majority of the game one goal down the Penguins’ Chris Kunitz was able to tie it with a few minutes left in regulation. Overtime produced no winner. The shootout was decided by Jussi Jokinnen for the 2-1 Panther win.

Montreal Canadiens @ Arizona Coyotes – 2-6 Final

• The Canadians looked listless and uninterested in their game against the Coyotes, and Arizona took advantage of it, scoring the most goals of any game all season.

Today in the Eastern Conference: Tuesday, February 16

Winnipeg Jets @ Carolina Hurricanes – 7:00

• The Carolina Hurricanes needed a big performance on Saturday to take down the surging New York Islanders, and that’s what they got. They easily handled the visiting team and came out with a big 6-3 win. Carolina dominated the first 20 minutes, outshooting the Isles 17-7 and taking a 1-0 lead, but things broke wide open in the second frame. A combined seven goals were scored in period two, and five of them went to the Hurricanes. Victor Rask capped off the big period with a pair of goals in just 1:21, including a goal with just over a second left on the clock.

Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils – 7:00

• The Flyers want to see a different result on the scoreboard tonight than the one they saw on Saturday, when they gave up an overtime 2-1 loss to the Devils. New Jersey is hoping to repeat their effort, maybe in regulation this time, and keep the Flyers in the bottom half of the Eastern playoff chase.

Boston Bruins @ Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:00

• The Bruins are hoping to bounce back after letting the Red Wings stage a comeback in their game Sunday. The 8th place Blue Jackets are looking to be a spoiler in the Bruins push up the Eastern standings.

San Jose Sharks @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:30

• The Lightning will try and use the news from GM Steve Yzerman that Steven Stamkos won’t be traded this season to inspire them against the surging San Jose Sharks.

Upcoming in the Eastern Conference: Wednesday, February 17

Montreal Canadiens @ Colorado Avalanche – 8:00

Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers – 8:00

Next: Hurricanes Face Off Against the Jets Looking for Points

After practice on Monday, Coach Peters said that Faulk would take part in the morning skate, and decision on his status would be made closer to game time. His simple answer on Ward’s condition was that “doubtful” for today’s game.

With all of the movement in the standings over the last few days the Canes can’t afford to have any “off games” or “late starts”. Stay Tuned.

Go Canes!