Jan 31, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Vincent Trocheck (16) scores the game winning shootout goal against Dallas Stars at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes are off to a strong start to the 2021 campaign, with a 7-2-0 record that has the team right on the heels of the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL’s new-look Central Division. After a middling series in Chicago where the team was trying to re-implement multiple players coming off of COVID-list stints, yesterday’s matinee win over the Columbus Blue Jackets marked a notable step forward in terms of crispness and overall energy level.