Although most analytics people give the Carolina Hurricanes a greater than 95 percent chance to make the playoffs, the Hurricanes still need nine points out of the remaining fourteen to clinch, less if Montreal and/or Columbus lose any games. In other words, this thing isn’t over yet. If the Canes stumble twice against Washington this week, we could be looking at being the second wild card, and only one point above Columbus.
However, as quickly as things could go the wrong direction, they could just as quickly go the right direction. If the Hurricanes were to beat Washington twice, we would find ourselves one point behind them with games in hand.