After just missing a playoff berth last year, the Canes punched their playoff ticket after defeating the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week.
The win against the Avs was earmarked by organizations season story that is Eric Staal, who scored his 29th and 30th goals of the season.
Management had hoped Staal could help anchor the second line this season, but they didn't expect him to lead the team in points with 80 (30G, 50A). Staal has not only exceeded expectations but has helped his linemate Tyler Bertuzzi achieve a career year in production. Bertuzzi has 30 goals and 33 assists (63pts) in 75 games after signing a 4-year extension this past off season.
The first line is stacked with offensive firepower with Tyler Seguin, John Tavares, and Tyler Toffoli with the last two putting up career BEARD numbers.
Management is hoping for a deep playoff run this year and the fanbase is clearly very excited. Led by a veteran defensive corps, an all-star netminder in Carey Price, and three capable offensive lines, the time is now.
The Canes are right up against the cap this year with just over a million in space and the team on the ice this year will be a totally different team next season. With multiple UFA players and possible retirements, the Hurricanes will have plenty of money to spend this offseason and a number of holes to fill.
Carolina is hoping to show the league that they can compete for the Stanley Cup and are not a team to be taken lightly. Management is hoping a successful season and deep playoff run will be able to attract top free agents this off season to the club.
With less than 10 games to go in the season, the Hurricanes are fighting for the top spot in the Metro Division, with the New Jersey Devils currently sitting 1 point behind them. Two of the seven remaining games for the Canes will be against the Devils and will need to be must win matches to grasp that top spot.