The NHL is a few games past the halfway point of the 2024-25 season and a few weeks away from the 4 Nations Face-Off. For the players who were not selected to the four teams – USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland – they will have almost two weeks off. Until then, there is a sprint for the teams to secure their spot in the standings. Regarding the Carolina Hurricanes, they are in a tough battle for second place in the Metropolitan Division. That being said, The Hockey Writers‘ Hurricanes writing staff turn to the fans for the burning questions surrounding the team from Raleigh, NC in the most recent mailbag. What did they ask?
Opening the Mail
At This Point of the Season, What Letter Grade Would You Give the Hurricanes for Their Efforts and Results? And Why? – MrEd315 (X)
The Hurricanes on Sunday, Jan. 19 sit at 27-16-3 (57 points) in 46 games played. They are only one point behind the New Jersey Devils who are 0-2-2 in their last four games. They started the season 14-4-0 with an eight-game winning streak. Since then, they have played somewhat better than .500 hockey but overall, not the pace they did 18 games into the season. Since that start, they have gone 13-12-3 after their most recent 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 17.
For the most part, the team has been okay but couldn’t get on the right side of games. However, there were some games where they either failed to show up on time or took their foot off the gas. It was a lot of Jekyll and Hyde hockey for the most part for the Hurricanes. That being said, the start to the season has put them in a great spot, firmly into a playoff position, six points ahead of the fourth-place Columbus Blue Jackets, and having a chance to take over second place in the Metropolitan Division leap-frogging the Devils.
Related: Sound the Siren: Hear From Hurricanes Players & Brind’Amour Following Friday’s 3-2 Win
When it comes to grading the season 46 games in for the Hurricanes, while taking into account their effort and results, I will say that the grade will have to be a B+. Some might say that it is high but you cannot overlook the amazing start to the season and discount it despite the record over the last 28 games. They’re firmly in a playoff spot and have a chance to jump into second place in their division. Furthermore, Martin Necas leads the team with 51 points. The last time he led the team in points was the 2022-23 season where he finished with 71. He is…
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