New York Islanders Low In Eastern Conference Power Ranking

Carolina Hurricanes

Right now the Hurricanes are holding down the second Wild Card spot with 69 points to their name. Despite a -21 goal differential Carolina somehow has themselves in a playoff position if the season would end today.

The team hasn’t made the playoff since 2008-2009 but it looks like they’re finally turning things around for themselves. Teuvo Teravainen is the leading point getter with 51 (18 goals, 33 assists) with Sebastian Aho right behind him with 50 (23 goals, 27 assists).

That’s a nice core to build around as both guys are 23 years old or younger. You also have veteran Justin Williams proving that he can still contribute with 42 points of his own this year.

The Canes are in the middle of the pack for both goals for and goals against but indeed seem like a more offensive team.

The biggest thing holding this team back plays in net. Scott Darling, who was brought over from Chicago to take over in net has been putrid.

In 34 games he’s 10-16-7 with a .889 save percentage and a 3.08 goals against average, He has just a .344 QS% and has a -21.33 goals saved above average.

Ironically, it’s been the veteran Cam Ward, who they were trying to replace that’s been the better of the two. In 34 games he’s 19-9-4 with a .910 save percentage and a 2.60 goals against average. He also has better-advanced stats than Darling.

None of these guys are putting up dominant numbers, or NHL average really, but right now the team has done enough to be in a playoff spot. Let’s see if they’re in the same position after game 82.