The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up a playoff berth for the eighth straight season. They’ve won the Metropolitan Division. They know they’ll open the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at home.
And with a win or overtime loss Monday night in Philadelphia, the Hurricanes (110 points) will clinch the top seed and home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference. Carolina needs a single point in its final two games or any Buffalo loss to secure the No. 1 seed.
If Buffalo (106 points) and Carolina tie in total points, Buffalo would have the No. 1 seed due to its edge in regulation wins. Each team has two games remaining.
Carolina concludes the regular season Tuesday at the New York Islanders.
Carolina will open the playoffs at Lenovo Center against either the Boston Bruins or the Ottawa Senators. The playoffs begin Saturday, though not all series will start that day.The Hurricanes have won six of their last seven games, including three in a row. Seven Hurricanes have scored at least 20 goals this season, including captain Jordan Staal, who netted his 20th in Carolina’s 4-1 victory over Utah on Saturday.
Playoffs tickets went on sale Thursday, April 9.
Carolina, Buffalo, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Boston and Ottawa have secured playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, Washington and Columbus are still in contention for the third spot out of the Metro division.
The Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference final last season, their fifth appearance in the conference final since 2002. Carolina has reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice and won the title in 2006.