As the Carolina Hurricanes prepared for their Game 6 clash with the Washington Capitals back on April 22nd, the question of whether that game would be the final game of the year loomed large. Since then, things have changed.
The Canes have won four straight overall and three straight on the road. The last three wins - all one goal affairs - were road games in either Washington or Brooklyn.
Now the Canes return to PNC Arena with a 2-0 series lead against the New York Islanders. While a win tonight would put the Canes on the verge of a series sweep, the big picture has to remain in focus.