On December 30, 2018 the Carolina Hurricanes were an afterthought. A few months shy of an NHL worst eleventh straight season without a post season appearance, when it happens, not if, was the question. Five months and one day later and those same Hurricanes are two wins away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
After 1-0 and 2-1 victories against the New York Islanders, Carolina is in complete control of their second round series. Those same Hurricanes had only won 15 games through that December 30th date have now won 15 games – six in the playoffs – since March 11th.