Carolina Hurricanes: Three takeaways from brutal loss to Pittsburgh
By Bryan Walsh
The Carolina Hurricanes entered last night’s game in the first wild card spot. They left in the second wild card spot. In a game dominated by Pittsburgh for the entire sixty minutes, the Hurricanes’ playoff hopes have been pushed to the brink.
We thought we had it locked up about 10 days ago. Only three losses and now things are looking bleak. Its been that kind of ride for those seeking entry into the playoffs in the eastern conference Have you recovered from that hangover yet? We really haven’t.
In a game that really felt like a must win, the Canes never got off the bus. They now have to survive the final three games of the season to cling to that final playoff spot.
The Carolina Hurricanes control their own destiny in the playoff race. There is something to be said for that, but, and it is a large but, they have lost three of four and four of six (it really should have been five of six, if not for late game heroics by Trevor van Riemsdyk against Montreal) and have a one point lead over the Canadiens for the last spot.
Columbus has been dominating its competition over the past week and destroyed the Buffalo Sabres last night. They moved into the first wild card spot with that win and seem to have things under control after briefly struggling after the trade deadline. If the Hurricanes have any hope of ending the drought, and it’s faint but it’s still there, they need to take care of business the next three games.