After a three-week hiatus, NHL hockey is back, and for fans of the Carolina Hurricanes, the excitement is palpable. With 25 games left before the 2026 NHL Playoffs, the Hurricanes are gearing up for a thrilling sprint to the finish. As they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, here are three players to keep an eye on as the playoff race heats up.
Brandon Bussi
Brandon Bussi has been nothing short of spectacular in his debut NHL season. With a 23-3-1 record, a 2.16 goals-against average (GAA), and a .908 save percentage (SV%), Bussi is turning heads.
Before the Winter Olympic break, he was riding a seven-game winning streak, boasting a .921 SV% and a 1.71 GAA during that stretch. This included a standout performance against the New York Rangers, where he notched his second career shutout.
Bussi is currently second in the NHL for GAA, trailing only Andrei Vasilevskiy. If he can maintain this pace and start between 13 and 15 of the remaining games, reaching 30 wins is within reach.
That would cap off an impressive regular season, especially after securing a three-year extension during the break. Look for Bussi to be in net against the Lightning, seeking his 24th win.
Jaccob Slavin
Despite being limited to 17 games this season due to injuries, Jaccob Slavin has been a force on the ice. With three assists and a plus-9 rating, he continues to be a key player for the Hurricanes. Fresh off winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, Slavin is eager to bring that winning momentum back to Raleigh.
His Olympic experience could be the catalyst for the Hurricanes as they chase their second Stanley Cup. Slavin expressed his desire to translate his international success into a championship for the Hurricanes, saying, “Winning gold was incredible, but now I want to bring that victory to Raleigh with my teammates.”
Expect Slavin’s ice time, currently averaging 20:12, to increase as the season progresses and the playoffs loom. He’ll be anchoring the top defensive pairing and penalty kill unit, crucial roles in the Hurricanes’ quest for glory.
Seth Jarvis
Seth Jarvis might have initially been left off Team Canada’s roster, but he returned from Milan with a silver medal and a point to prove. Leading the Hurricanes with 25 goals, he’s also sixth in assists (18) and tied for third in points (43).
Despite missing eight games due to an injury, Jarvis is on pace to surpass his career high of 33 goals from the 2023-24 season. Reaching 40 goals is a realistic target, and his determination will be key as the Hurricanes push for playoff success.
As the Hurricanes sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 78 points, tied for first in the Eastern Conference with the Lightning, their upcoming matchup is a must-watch. The number one seed is on the line, and if the Hurricanes maintain their consistency and health, the next 25 games will fly by, setting the stage for an exhilarating playoff run.