Here is your recap of action in the Eastern Conference playoff battles yesterday, and the current overall status of the Carolina Hurricanes 2016 push to the post-season.
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 Tuesday, including the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes Current Status:
The two points from the win over the Jets has helped the Canes move a little closer to the Penguins for the final wild card spot (two points) and the Islanders for 3rd place in the Metro division (four points).
More from Cardiac Cane – Hurricanes Ground the Jets for Two Vital Points
Current Standings: Wednesday, February 17
New York Rangers – 70 points – 2nd in Metro
Boston Bruins – 68 points – 2nd in Atlantic
Detroit Red Wings – 67 points – 3rd in Atlantic
New York Islanders – 66 points – 3rd in Metro
New Jersey Devils – 65 points – 1st Wild Card
Pittsburgh Penguins – 64 points – 2nd Wild Card
Tampa Bay Lightning – 64 points
Carolina Hurricanes – 62 points
Philadelphia Flyers – 60 points
Montreal Canadiens – 58 points
Latest in the Eastern Conference: Tuesday, February 16
Winnipeg Jets @ Carolina Hurricanes – 1-2 Final
- The Canes may not have built up a 4-0 lead like they did last time these two teams met, but they didn’t need it tonight. They came out flying, and didn’t slow down throughout. The score may have only been 2-1, but it could have easily been 4-1 or 5-1 considering all of the missed opportunities and saves by Ondrej Pavelec. In the end, though, they did what they needed to do, and gained two points for their playoff push.
- Again the Jordan, Netsrasil and Nordstrom line was impressive, but Coach Peters asked even more of the lanky center tonight. Jordan was double-shifted a few times onto a line with Riley Nash and Elias Lindholm. It worked well, as Jordan scored the first goal, Riley Nash got the second and an assist, and Lindholm assisted on both tallies.
- The young defensive corps, still missing their veteran leader in Justin Faulk, stepped up again, and were very impressive. Jaccob Slavin seemed to be everywhere that the puck was in the Canes zone, and Noah Hanifin used his speed and hands a few times to get the Hurricanes some quality scoring chances and tally an assist on the second goal.
Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils – 6-3
- The Flyers had a five-goal third period explosion to defeat the defensively-challenged Devils at home. The win keeps the Flyers and Canes close in the standings.
Boston Bruins @ Columbus Blue Jackets – 2-1
- A Loui Eriksson overtime tally lifted the Bruins to a win over the Blue Jackets, and carried them past the Red Wings in to second place in the Atlantic Division.
San Jose Sharks @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 4-2
- The Lightning and Sharks played a very tight, back-and-forth game, until a defensive breakdown by the Lightning allowed a two-on-one in the third period, and the eventual game-winner.
Today in the Eastern Conference: Wednesday, February 17
Montreal Canadiens @ Colorado Avalanche – 8:00
Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers – 8:00
Upcoming in the Eastern Conference: Thursday, February 18
Detroit Red Wings @ Pittsburgh Penguins – 7:00
Washington Capitals @ New York Islanders – 7:00
Carolina Hurricanes @ Ottawa Senators – 7:30
Winnipeg Jets @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:30
New York Rangers @ Toronto Maple Leafs – 7:30
Boston Bruins @ Nashville Predators – 8:00
Next: Eric Staal and Cam Ward are not Thelma and Louise
Next up for the Canes is a matchup on Thursday in Ottawa to face the fading Senators, who are slowly falling out of playoff contention altogether.
Stay Tuned.
Go Canes!