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The Carolina Hurricanes played four games last week and their first round opponent is now determined. Here’s a recap of news and notes from the week.
HURRICANES WIN TWO OF FOUR GAMES
Carolina earned five of a possible eight points last week, picking up two wins against the Chicago Blackhawks in three games, before falling to the Nashville Predators on Saturday. The Hurricanes will play their final game of the regular season tonight against the Predators.
HURRICANES CLINCH DIVISION, WILL FACE PREDATORS IN FIRST ROUND
Carolina clinched top spot in Central Division, marking their first division title in 15 years. The Hurricanes will face Nashville in the first round, after the Predators secured the final playoff spot in the division with their win over Carolina.
MCCORMICK CLEARS WAIVERS
Forward Max McCormick was put on waivers by the Hurricanes last week. Despite being waived, McCormick still played in Carolina’s game against Nashville on Saturday, after clearing waivers.
SLAVIN INJURED
Defenseman Jaccob Slavin was injured during Carolina’s game against the Predators, leaving the contest with a lower-body injury. His current status remains unclear, though with the playoff matchup already set, it’s possible he’ll be kept out of the final regular season game tomorrow as a precaution anyways. Forwards Jordan Martinook and Cedric Paquette also remain out for the Hurricanes.
As for our poll questions this week, here are the results, along with my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: Which area are you more surprised that the Hurricanes were able to solve internally?
(Votes: 46)
Goaltending: 74%
Secondary scoring: 26%
I have to agree with this. Alex Nedeljkovic was coming off a down year last season and was even placed on waivers to start the year, so to see him take over the starting role, plus Petr Mrazek playing great as well, was certainly surprising.
QUESTION: Make your prediction: How far will the Hurricanes go in the playoffs?
(Votes: 40)
Win Stanley Cup/Reach Finals: 32%
2nd Round: 32%
3rd Round: 28%
1st Round: 8%
Like the poll suggests, the only outcome I’d be truly surprised to see would be if the Hurricanes fail to make it out of the first round. They’d face tough competition from the second round onwards but the Hurricanes also look to be a true contender this year, so anything is possible.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM MAY
Hurricanes sign Pyotr Kochetkov and Eetu Makiniemi
Weekly Recap: Hurricanes Edition (May 3)
Hurricanes are Stanley Cup contenders after solving most pressing issues
Hurricanes clinch top spot in Central Division, McCormick clears waivers 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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