If you’re into comparing this year to last, an interesting stretch of games are coming up. Prior to tonight’s game, the Hurricanes had an identical 16-12-7 record through 35 games both years. Last year, they lost game 36, 37, then beat STL in game 38 (the opponent in game 38 this year, as well). They got our hopes up winning 5 of 6 (4 straight), then pissed us right off by losing 5 straight.
It will be interesting to see if they can remain consistent as they finish up the first half of this season and start into the second. Last year, the Canes had 49 points after game 43 (after that 4-game win streak), nearly meeting the 6-points-every-5-games standard. It feels weird to hope that we can be only marginally better through game 43 this year, but they are two points ahead of last year’s pace and we can tell ourselves they will not repeat the 5-game slide this year.
Anyway, I thought it was interesting to note the reality of the current situation, giving an outlook that is both positive and negative simultaneously.