The Carolina Hurricanes' point streak is at 11 games, but most importantly, they've won four in a row after returning from the Olympic pause with a thrilling 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. The Canes surrendered leads of 3-0 and 4-3 before finally moving ahead on the power play in the third. Four players finished with multi-point nights, including birthday boy, Logan Stankoven.
To go with their point streak, the team is rolling on home ice. The Canes are 9-0-1 over their last 10 home games, marking the sixth-longest home point streak in franchise history. With tonight being the final game at the Lenovo Center before venturing to the Pacific Northwest and Alberta for the next week, the Hurricanes need one more strong effort to carry with them on the road.
On the Other Side: Detroit Red Wings
Last Meeting: The second meeting of the season between these two ended in controversy in mid-January. The Red Wings got out to a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes, but the Hurricanes used special teams to score three times in the third and force overtime. However, an egregious missed cross-check against Andrew Copp allowed him to score the winning goal in overtime in a 4-3 Detroit win.
Since that controversial win, the Red Wings have fallen back a little. Things before the break weren't as smooth. They won four of their next six games after beating Carolina, but they faltered heading into the break, going 1-3-1 over their final five. The first game after the break saw them get back in the win column, beating the Senators 2-1 in overtime on Thursday.
Over the last month, the Red Wings have lost their top spot in the Atlantic Division, and the slight stumble before the break allowed the Canadiens, the Sabres, and the Bruins to all close in on them. Only three points separate the Red Wings in second place from the second Wild Card spot. The Atlantic continues to be a nightmare to compete both in and against.
While the Canes and the Wings have jockeyed for position all season, the Canes have slightly pulled ahead. Still, these two remain two of the three best teams in the Eastern Conference this season. Detroit's numbers won't leap off the page. In fact, they've been very average in many respects this season. Yet they've found a way to stay right in the thick of the hunt.
Red Wings to Watch
Dylan Larkin: Teaming with Jaccob Slavin to win the gold in Milan for the United States, Larkin returned from the break by scoring both of Detroit's goals on Thursday night, including the OT winner. He scored the opening goal twice for the Americans during the playoff rounds. Larkin has five points in his last three games, but he's yet to find the scoresheet against the Canes this season.
Lucas Raymond: Another player who had an excellent tournament in Italy, Raymond finished third among all skaters in points (9) and second in assists (8) while representing Sweden. He assisted on both of Larkin's goals in Ottawa to extend his team lead in points as the only player with more than 60. If there were any questions about whether Raymond is legit, they've been silenced this season.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jackson Blake: With his beautiful assist to Taylor Hall in Thursday's win, Blake recorded his 18th assist and 34th point, topping his assists from last season while matching his points. He's one goal away from tying his 17 from a year ago. His line was excellent against the Bolts, especially early. If they can keep it up tonight, Blake might find the scoresheet a few times.
K'Andre Miller: While far from a perfect night, Miller found ways to be impactful in the first game after the break. His stretch pass to Nikolaj Ehlers opened the scoring, and he was a monster in the defensive zone over the final 20 minutes. Miller finished the night with three blocks and five hits to pair with his assist.