The Carolina Hurricanes notched the biggest win of the 2017-18 campaign, so far, by shutting out the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 4. That win moved the Canes above the Pens in the Eastern Conference wildcard race, for the playoffs, putting them one point ahead. Yet, there’s still a ton of work left to be done.
Pittsburgh should put it all together at some point. NHL fans can see how the Washington Capitals caught fire in the middle of the season, behind the pace of Alex Ovechkin. Moreover, the Metropolitan Division is extremely competitive, with many of the same teams at the top from last season.