There is only one stat that matters
Since New Year's Day the 'Bunch of Jerks' banked 62 points and have won 2 playoff series.
The Bruins banked 59 points and also have won 2 playoff series.
The Hurricanes are not a fluke and they have been playing must-win hockey for 4 months now.
They knocked off the Caps in the first round and that alone earns them respect. In the second round, they caught a rusty Islanders team that was forced by the NHL to play in Brooklyn instead of Uniondale.
This is a very dangerous opponent.