The “top of the table” comments were fun to make for a fan base so used to a near-infinite state of “still figuring things out.”
Some of us wondered if Rod Brind’Amour could be an immediate harbinger for the playoffs. Some thought Curtis McElhinney could be giving the starters a run for their money. Some got caught up in the clutch come-from-behind theatrics and bought in heavily to the idea of a solid team that will find a way.
After three straight losses that all wrote similar scripts, the Canes must now find answers to the concerns that were sometimes overshadowed by energy, fun and hope.