Carolina Hurricanes: 5 takeaways from loss to Blue Jackets

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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: The Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate their 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes following an overtime goal by Sonny Milano during of an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

1. Columbus will be a tough out in the Metro

The Blue Jackets had their best season in franchise history last season. They finished in the top three in the division and top five in the league in points among the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. That even eclipsed the New York Rangers.

As long as Bobrovsky is ready between the pipes and the Blue Jackets young stars contribute, this is going to be a tough team for anyone to compete with. Head coach John Tortorella has done a great job with Columbus.

Yet, the Canes showed that they can hang step for step with the division’s best. As far as depth goes, Carolina can hang with even the league’s best. They just have to convert on opportunities at home like this.

Next: Ranking every season in history of Carolina Hurricanes

Another season featuring more than a dozen overtime losses is not a formula for success. The Canes finished with 15 last season, and converting on a few more of those opportunities could have resulted in an appearance in the NHL Playoffs.

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