Hurricanes Match Historic Playoff Mark

The Carolina Hurricanes match a record held by only one franchise and done twice before them. The record is that the home team won 11 consecutive games to start a postseason. The Toronto Maple Leafs accomplished this in 1962 on the way to a Stanley Cup and also did so in 1976 again.

The Hurricanes won the Metropolitan Division, so they had home ice advantage in the first and second round. Round 1 was against the Boston Bruins where the series went to seven games, with the Hurricanes finishing the Bruins off at home. Now, the Hurricanes have the challenge of facing the New York Rangers in Round 2. After going up 2-0 in the series at home, the Rangers came alive at Madison Square Garden and evened the series.

If this trend continues, which it very well may, the Hurricanes should take this second round series in seven games at home. Awaiting the winner of this series is the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions the Tampa Bay Lightning who swept the Presidents' Trophy winner Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes would have home ice advantage in Round 3 to potentially continue this streak.

But as they head back home for Game 5 of the series, the Hurricanes have the chance to set a new NHL record if they win. It will also take them one step closer to their search for the second Stanley Cup in franchise history and the first Conference Finals appearance since 2018-19.

Photo Credit: © Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports