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Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Keys to Beating Washington

By Bryan Walsh

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 27: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) gives up a third period goal on a rebound to Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) on December 27, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 27: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) gives up a third period goal on a rebound to Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) on December 27, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 24: Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes enters the ice with pride tape on his blade to honor Pride Night during the Hockey is for Everyone initiative prior to an NHL game on March 24, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 24: Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes enters the ice with pride tape on his blade to honor Pride Night during the Hockey is for Everyone initiative prior to an NHL game on March 24, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Take Advantage of a Huge Opportunity

As I mentioned at the top, these two games have huge implications. Hopefully, when I am writing the keys to the Washington game on Thursday I am in a good mood, but we’ll see.

What I do know is that winning tonight would be huge. Not only will we at worst keep pace with the Islanders or keep our distance with Montreal or Columbus, but it’s really a four point game because of the opponent. Not only would a win add two points to our standings, but it would take away two from Washington, obviously.

It is tough for me to focus on playoff position because I am so desperate to make it into the playoffs at all. But the line between out, playing the Lightning, playing the Metro winner, and hosting the first round, is insanely thin. A win tonight would do wonders to pushing us toward hosting a series. A loss, and we will be worried about missing. That’s how close things are in the Metro/wild card race.

Prediction:

109. Final. 3. 19. 4

Regardless of the outcome tonight, it sure is great to see meaningful hockey in late March. Especially since this game will be broadcast on NBCSN with John Forslund serenading the Hockey world with his smooth voice. Those who tune in on radio will find Tripp Tracey along with Mike Maniscalco, who will be calling his first game, so be sure to give him a tune in as well.

Must Read. Andrei Svechnikov, the Future. light

Question for CC Readers: How far up the standings do you think the Carolina Hurricanes can climb?

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