We've reached the final month of the regular season, and the Carolina Hurricanes remain in an excellent spot in almost every major race down the stretch. The Canes are one of two teams in the Eastern Conference with 100 points, holding the top spot over Buffalo, which also has 100 points, because they've played one fewer game to this point.
In the Metropolitan Division, the Canes hold an eight-point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins, who appear to be the only other team within shouting distance of them for the division crown. Pittsburgh has 92 points, but the Canes own a game in hand on them as well. The Islanders sit 11 points back, while Columbus is 12 points out of it.
With an eighth straight trip to the postseason feeling like a lock, the Hurricanes still have plenty to play for in April. They could have a playoff spot locked up by the end of the week, and the division could be clinched soon after. From there, the goal will be to build up as many points as possible to claim the Eastern Conference for the first time in franchise history.
April's schedule is far from a cake walk for the Canes
Only eight games remain in the regular season for the Hurricanes. Seven of them are against teams currently in or around the playoff picture, with their visit to Chicago being the lone exception. For a team trying to challenge for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they're essentially playing teams already in playoff mode.
Four of their games are division clashes. They complete their home-and-home against the Blue Jackets on Thursday. The Islanders are in town on Saturday before the Canes conclude their season with a back-to-back in Philadelphia and on Long Island. The other four games are split between a pair of Atlantic Division foes and Central Division opponents.
Five Games to Watch in April
5. 4/11 at Utah
Selfishly, I'm excited for this game because I'll be in attendance, but it's hard to forget the magic that we witnessed when these two met in Raleigh in late January. If you need a refresher, the Canes trailed 4-2 with two minutes to go before erasing their deficit and scoring the go-ahead goal on Whalers Night to stun the Mammoth, 5-4.
Barring a complete collapse over the next few weeks, Salt Lake City will experience playoff hockey for the very first time, which is an incredible thing to see. This team is loaded with young talent, led by their captain, Clayton Keller, and sniper Dylan Guenther. Not to mention the fact that Karel Vejmelka can turn into a brick wall at any moment against the Canes.
4. 4/7 vs. Boston
While there is still plenty of season left and much to figure out in the Eastern Conference playoff race, there is a chance that we see the Hurricanes and the Bruins link up once more in the first round. They hold a six-point lead over Columbus for the top Wild Card spot, and they're well within striking distance of the other teams in the Atlantic to move up a little.
Along with this game having considerable playoff implications, this also marks the final home game of the Hurricanes' season. As they did last year, the Canes finish the regular season with a four-game road trip, giving them another chance to bond on the road before the playoffs. It would be nice to send the fans out of the building and into the playoffs with a win on home ice.
3. 4/2 vs. Columbus
After winning the front half of the home-and-home on Tuesday night, the Hurricanes will have a chance to sweep the Blue Jackets in this miniature series. The Canes scored three times on the power play in Columbus and got an excellent performance from Brandon Bussi to put the Blue Jackets into an even tougher spot.
With injuries mounting and the teams behind them refusing to go away, the Blue Jackets must find a new level in Raleigh. The Canes scored three times in the third period when they came to town the first time, and they did the same on Tuesday. The Canes have been excellent against division foes this season, and there's a chance that Tuesday could be their first opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.
2. 4/13 at Philadelphia
Almost out of nowhere, the Philadelphia Flyers have made a late charge up the standings to put themselves in the conversation for the final Wild Card spot. Entering April, the Flyers are just two points out of a playoff spot, which felt nearly improbable a few weeks ago. By the time the Canes visit the City of Brotherly Love, that could still be the case.
All three meetings this season between the Canes and the Flyers have required extra time, with Carolina emerging victorious with an overtime win in October and a pair of shootout wins in December. The Flyers also got a big boost to their forward group when Michigan State star Porter Martone signed his entry-level deal to join the team.
1. 4/14 at New York (I)
The regular season ends with one more divisional battle against the New York Islanders. While the Islanders visit Raleigh on Saturday, I'm more interested in how this game will play out for a litany of reasons. The Islanders are barely holding onto the third spot in the division, and the race behind them in the Wild Card has their spot in the postseason very much up in the air.
By this point, the Canes are sure to have a playoff spot locked up, and the division could be decided by then as well. The only other big fight that leaves for the Hurricanes is for the top spot in the conference. If that is decided, there will be no reason for the Canes to play many of their starters. It could give some of the AHLers a chance to get some ice time while the starters rest.