With Tuesday's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Carolina Hurricanes have officially reached the midway point in their schedule. It has been another rollercoaster ride for the squad. New faces have gelled into their new roles, while the returning cast has tried to ignite the team to a seventh straight postseason berth.
Through 41 games this season, the Canes are 24-15-2 for 50 points. They're planted in the third spot in the division, eight points ahead of the Penguins and the Blue Jackets as the Wild Card picture continues to change daily. They're tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference with the defending champion Panthers, who have an identical record.
While their 50 points through 41 games are their worst since 2019-20, it's only one point worse than where they were a year ago. Considering they were expected to take a step back this season with how much roster turnover they had during the offseason, this is a positive sign. But why doesn't it feel that way?
Hot starts have turned cold
Like the weather, the Hurricanes are going through a cold spell. Heading into Thanksgiving, they were 16-5-1, catapulted by an eight-game win streak from late October into early November. They sat atop the division as they jockeyed for position with Washington and New Jersey. Since the holiday, the Canes are 8-10-2 and have only won consecutive games once.
The struggles extend to the individual level, too. Martin Necas is the best example. In November, Necas was named the league's first star for the month. In early December, he led the league in points. Over the last 13 games, Necas has just one goal and three assists. He still is the team's leader in points, but Sebastian Aho has started to creep toward him.
Necas isn't the only player struggling right now. Jesperi Kotkaniemi hasn't been putting up points. Jackson Blake hit the rookie wall, though he's starting to find it after Christmas. Andrei Svechnikov had been in the same boat until a strong pair of games against Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. Pyotr Kochetkov has shown flashes, but his record and save percentage leave a little to be desired.
There's no need to panic
As I've said, the Canes were in a similar boat last season and played a better second half. Right now, the question for this year's group is less about whether they'll be in the playoffs and more about whether they'll have home ice in the first round. As it stands right now, they would be in New Jersey for Game 1.
Part of the struggle is the team's health. They're playing without Shayne Gostisbehere, William Carrier, and Frederik Andersen. Tyson Jost, who filled in for Jack Drury while he was hurt, is also out. Gostisbehere and Andersen have been on the ice recently, so they're moving in the right direction. Assuming no one else misses any extended time, the Canes should return to full strength soon.
Listen, I might be the ultimate optimist when discussing the Carolina Hurricanes. I know not everyone sees this team as a contender in its current state. The team being aggressive leading into the trade deadline could help change the public's perception of what they can do. All I'm asking is that we allow the process to play out. I expect the Hurricanes to be a playoff team. If the standings start to show that isn't the case, that's when we should be worried.