If you haven't heard it once or twice over the last two weeks: the Carolina Hurricanes don't have a lot to play for in their final two games. After a 4-1 loss to Toronto on Sunday closed the chapter on their home schedule, the Canes have two games left, facing Montreal on Wednesday and Ottawa on Thursday. The Canadiens are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, and Ottawa already has.
While hockey is a team game, individual achievements still mean something to both the players and the fans. A few Hurricanes have already set new career-highs, and many are on the verge of reaching or surpassing previous highs. Here are some of the players to watch during the final two games as the Canes barrel toward the postseason this coming weekend.
The top line is all over it
Seth Jarvis set a new career-high in assists on Sebastian Aho's power-play goal on Sunday. The assist, his 35th of the season, also tied his career-high in points (67), needing just one more to set a new mark. Jarvis also needs two goals to set a new high after scoring 33 last season. If he gets one short-handed, he'll break his tie with Kevyn Adams for the most in a season in franchise history.
Aho won't set any new highs for goals or points, but one more goal gives him 30 for the season. As I've previously mentioned, if he hits 30, Aho and Jarvis will become the first set of teammates with back-to-back 30-goal campaigns in almost two decades. He'll also tie Eric Staal for the most consecutive 30-goal seasons (4), while surpassing him for the most overall as a Hurricane (6).
Jackson Blake has been on a tear recently. Over the last month, Blake has started climbing the rookie record book, putting him on the verge of passing one of his linemates for the most goals as a rookie. Blake is currently tied with Jarvis' rookie total of 17 goals. If Blake gets one in the final two games, he'll sit alone with the fifth most in Hurricanes history. A hat trick ties him with Andrei Svechnikov.
Give the Bottom 6 and defense some love
In his first season with the Hurricanes, Eric Robinson has been one of their greatest revelations. Playing more than he ever has at the NHL level, Robinson has shot past all of his previous career-highs. In 80 games this season, Robinson has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points, which is five better than his previous best in points with the Blue Jackets in 2021-22.
Jack Roslovic got off to a scorching start to begin his Hurricanes career, leading the team in goals at the beginning of the season. He's slowed down considerably in the second half, scoring four times in his last 42 games, but he's still on the verge of matching his career best. One goal will tie his 2021-22 total (22) with Columbus, while two will give him a new record.
Both Jordan Martinook and Jalen Chatfield found the back of the net against the Rangers on Saturday. For Martinook, his empty-net goal matched his career-high (15) from 2018-19, which was his first season in Raleigh. One more goal sets a new best for him. Chatfield needs one goal to tie his personal best, set last season with eight. If he manages to get a second, he'll have a new high as well.
While games played isn't a big talking point, there are five Hurricanes with a chance to complete a full 82 games, if they play the final two contests. Blake, Robinson, Jaccob Slavin, Sean Walker, and Brent Burns have suited up for all 80 games, to this point. I'm sure some of these players will sit in one of the final two games, but it's still a cool achievement.
Most fans are probably counting down the days until the postseason begins. While there might not be much to get excited for during the final two games, these could be interesting individual storylines to watch on Wednesday and Thursday, along with the team's pursuit of another 100-point season. Win or lose, it will be fun to keep a close eye on those trying to set new personal marks.