With wins by the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, the Canes came into Saturday in a must-win scenario. Despite questionable officiating and a rough second period, the Canes were able to leave Newark with two points, keeping them in the thick of the playoff race, five points out of the second wild card spot.
The Canes now have a season high 10-game point streak and a 7-0-3 record in that span. They are one of the hottest teams in the league and have at least one game in hand over the Lightning, Bruins, and Maple Leafs who all sit ahead of them in the standings.