Hurricanes Riding High in the Metro, Eyeing Bigger Moves Ahead of Deadline
As we roll into the final week of January, the Carolina Hurricanes find themselves right where they want to be-at the top of the Metropolitan Division. With a 32-15-5 record and 69 points in the bank, they’re not just surviving the grind of the NHL season-they’re thriving. A five-game point streak and a convincing 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators last Saturday have only reinforced the feeling that this team is built to contend.
Special Teams Clicking, Defense Standing Tall
Saturday’s win over Ottawa wasn’t just another two points-it was a blueprint for how the Hurricanes want to play down the stretch. Their penalty kill was perfect, going 4-for-4 and smothering any momentum the Senators tried to build.
That kind of special teams dominance doesn’t just help you win games-it makes a statement. Carolina’s structure, discipline, and ability to shut things down when shorthanded is a big reason they’ve climbed to the top of the Metro.
The “Bus Driver” Is Steering the Ship
Let’s talk about Brandon Bussi. The rookie goaltender has gone from relative unknown to one of the most important players on the roster.
He stopped 34 shots in the win over Ottawa, pushing his record to a jaw-dropping 19-3-1. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
With Pyotr Kochetkov sidelined for the season due to a hip injury, Bussi has stepped into the crease and owned it. He’s not just keeping the Hurricanes afloat-he’s helping them surge.
The Vezina Trophy conversation is starting to include his name, and rightfully so. And with his contract situation looming, there’s already buzz about a long-term extension.
Carolina may have found its goalie of the future a little sooner than expected.
Trade Winds Blowing-And They’re Strong
With the trade deadline approaching, the Hurricanes are reportedly not just window shopping-they’re in the market for a game-changer. The name drawing the most attention?
Elias Pettersson. The Vancouver Canucks star would be a massive addition to Carolina’s second line, giving them the kind of offensive depth that makes playoff runs possible.
To make a blockbuster like that happen, someone has to go-and Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s name keeps coming up. The 23-year-old center has struggled to cement a top-six role, and he could be part of a package to bring in a proven scorer.
Rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin is also being mentioned in some circles, though there’s internal debate about whether the Canes would actually be willing to part with such a promising young blueliner. Still, if a player like Pettersson or Jason Robertson is on the table, Carolina may be forced to make a tough call.
Injuries Starting to Pile Up
The Hurricanes have taken some hits-literally and figuratively-on the injury front. Forward Eric Robinson is out for an “extended period” after a big collision with Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin. That’s a blow to their depth, especially with Kochetkov already done for the year and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere listed as day-to-day.
This isn’t uncharted territory for Carolina, though. They’ve shown they can weather injuries before, and with the deadline looming, they may look to shore up any gaps with a move or two.
What’s Ahead: Key Matchups on the Horizon
The upcoming schedule offers a mix of opportunity and challenge:
- Thursday, Jan. 29 vs. Utah Mammoth (7:00 PM ET, Lenovo Center) It’s Whalers Night in Raleigh, and while the Mammoth are still finding their footing in the league, this is a game the Canes should handle if they stick to their game plan.
- Saturday, Jan. 31 at Washington Capitals (5:00 PM ET, Capital One Arena) A rivalry game against a familiar foe. The Caps are always a tough out, especially at home, and this one could have playoff seeding implications.
- Sunday, Feb. 1 vs. Los Angeles Kings (3:00 PM ET, Lenovo Center) A matinee matchup with a Kings squad that brings size, speed, and structure. It’s a quick turnaround after Washington, so depth and goaltending will be key.
Bottom line: the Hurricanes are in a strong position, but they’re not standing pat. With a red-hot rookie in net, a top-tier penalty kill, and eyes on a potential blockbuster trade, Carolina looks like a team that’s not just aiming for the playoffs-they’re aiming to make noise once they get there.