February
February is a bit of a doozy if you ask me. The Carolina Hurricanes open up the month playing the Chicago Blackhawks twice (2/2 and 2/4), a back-to-back with Columbus on 2/7 and 2/8, two meetings with Dallas (2/11/ and 2/13), a single matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 2/16, another back-to-back, this time against the Blackhawks (2/19 and 2/20), two meetings against the Tampa Bay Lightning (2/22 and 2/25), and then close out the month against the Florida Panthers on 2/27.
I can’t say enough how much the Carolina Hurricanes should not be underestimating any of these opponents, and I’m sure they know that, too. To do so, especially against teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, or the Chicago Blackhawks could bring a world of hurt to the Canes in short order.
With two back-to-backs this month, as well as more butting heads with the other Top 3 contenders in the new Central Division, the Carolina Hurricanes will really need to dig their heels in and be effective on both ends of the ice.
My prediction for the Carolina Hurricanes’ performance in February: 6-4-2. I think the Carolina Hurricanes will take 3/4 games against Chicago, the lone game against Florida, 1/2 versus Dallas, and 1/3 games against Columbus, and I think the Canes will lose both games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in OT.