After a 2-0 loss to New Jersey on Dec. 29, the Carolina Hurricanes stood at 15-17-5 for 35 points, tied with the Devils and Philadelphia and one point ahead of Ottawa for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Since that game, the team has gone 10-5 with an overtime loss at Calgary. They’ve separated themselves from Philadelphia, Ottawa and New Jersey, leapfrogged Detroit, Florida and the Rangers and moved into a tie with Buffalo for ninth, a mere three points behind struggling Columbus for eighth place in the East and a wildcard spot.
Many factors have contributed to this resurgence.