We’ve all seen this movie before. The Carolina Hurricanes are playing on New Year’s Eve just seven points removed from a playoff spot. They push late into the year, put together some fantastic win streaks, bring in some larger crowds to PNC Arena, only to come up a game or two short of a playoff bid. Same old Canes, same old story. Only this year, it is not the same old Canes.
They have a seemingly rejuvenated captain in Eric Staal, whose two goals in New Jersey last game were a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating and deflating loss.