With a playoff spot locked up and another year being added to their division champions banner, the Carolina Hurricanes embark on a season-ending road trip, beginning on Thursday in Chicago. The trip consists of games against the Blackhawks, Mammoth, Flyers, and Islanders over the next six days to conclude their 82-game gauntlet.
While it might not feel like there's a lot for the Hurricanes to play for over the next four games, that isn't the case. Some of what is left to decide is more important than other things, but this road trip still has plenty of meaning. Below are three headlines to watch as the Canes' regular season draws to a close. It's certain to be a weird one, though that could also bring with it plenty of fun.
1. The race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference will be decided
This one is a little obvious, but it's also the truth. With four games left, or three in the Buffalo Sabres' case, the top spot in the Eastern Conference is yet to be decided. The Canes hold a two-point lead over Buffalo and a four-point advantage over the Lightning and the Canadiens, who meet tonight in Montreal with big Atlantic Division ramifications.
If the Canes can hold off their cross-conference foes down the stretch, it'll be their first time sitting atop the East in franchise history, but that realization is far from certain right now. We did a slightly more comprehensive breakdown of the race on Wednesday. The Canes are certainly at a disadvantage in some respects, but they control their destiny.
2. Personal milestones are within reach for several players
Each member of the top line has a personal best on the line. Sebastian Aho tied his career high for assists on Tuesday. Seth Jarvis has been the model of consistency for three years. His 32 goals, 34 assists, and 66 points are each one away from tying a previous high. Andrei Svechnikov has also mirrored his numbers from 2021-22, putting him on the verge of new bests.
Logan Stankoven has already shot past his goal total from a season ago and set a new career high in points on Thursday. If he scores a goal during this road trip, it'll give him the first 20-goal and 40-point campaign of his career. The captain has already rested for one game, and there could be more coming. Still, Jordan Staal is three points away from 500 as a Hurricane, so it's not improbable.
3. Which Wolves will get a chance to play down the stretch?
Thursday night in Chicago might be the start of "The Great Resting" for some of the players on the roster. The Hurricanes called up four players from the AHL on Wednesday in anticipation of their opening game of the trip. Playing in the same city as their AHL team is sure to help matters, but I'm very curious if those four travel with the team, or if more players will get a chance to play, too.
The Wolves are at the end of their regular season as well, with just six games remaining before playoff hockey in the Windy City. They play on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so it's a full weekend for the AHL squad. I wouldn't be shocked if a few players called up on Wednesday are swapped. I'm looking for someone like Felix Unger Sorum to get his first crack at the NHL during this trip.