The Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators suit up ahead of a crucial chase game for both franchises.
As of the writing of this article (1620 February 17, 2020), both the Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators sit but a point out from their respective second wild card spot. The Hurricanes trail the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Nashville Predators trail the Arizona Coyotes. Why does that matter? Because both teams are going to be going into this game desperate to walk away with two points.
Both hockey clubs have twenty-four games remaining, including this one, in the season. That’s a potential forty-eight points for both clubs, that absolutely need them. The Hurricanes only tabbed a point against Edmonton, in a game that they dead-to-rights should have won. Instead, they walked away with an overtime loss. It was the kind of game that SportsNet’s Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@steve_dangle) would go on one of his customary Leafs Fan Reactions tirades about.
Hell, it’s the kind of game that I went on a tirade about not so long ago when the Hurricanes lost to the Capitals a month ago. This team cannot keep throwing away games that they should (and need) to win. So when that puck drops, the Hurricanes have to put forth every effort in walking away with the dub.
The Hurricanes are 6-3-1 in their last ten games, with a road record of 14-12-2, while the Predators are riding a three-game win streak, and are 7-3 in their previous ten. Comparatively, the Predators are 16-11-3 at home. With late-season desperation setting in as the post-season nears, the team that nets two points will be the one wanting it more.
There are, however, three keys that can help push that want to its maximum potential.