The Carolina Hurricanes are currently riding a wave of success, fueled by strong performances across the board as the regular season progresses towards the playoffs. Here's a look at the key storylines surrounding the team:
Metro Division Dominance
The Hurricanes have solidified their position as a top team in the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. With a current record of 32-15-5, they are demonstrating a potent blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability. Their overall record against the Metropolitan Division is 164-115-36. According to advanced metrics, the Hurricanes are the NHL's best team at 5-on-5 play, leading the league in both expected goals rate and shot attempt differential. Their defense allows a league-low in shots per game, while their offense generates a high volume of shots on opposing goalies. Key players like Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho have been instrumental in the team's offensive success.
Bussi's Breakout
Goalie Brandon Bussi has emerged as a significant storyline for the Hurricanes. The 27-year-old undrafted goaltender has exceeded expectations, providing stability in net and setting an NHL record by winning 18 of his first 22 career games. Bussi's stellar play has not only solidified his position as a reliable option but has also sparked conversations about a potential contract extension. His save against Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres has been lauded as a potential "save of the year". His current record this season is 18-3-1 with a 2.25 goals against average and a .906 save percentage.
Looking Ahead
After a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators, where they jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period, the Hurricanes are enjoying a four-day break before their next game on January 29th against the Utah Mammoth. That game will be the Hurricanes' annual Whalers Night. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the focus will be on maintaining their strong play, integrating key players back into the lineup, and continuing to rely on the stellar performance of Brandon Bussi in net.
