The Hurricanes haven't backed away when it comes to the Eastern Conference standings. They've threatened to become part of the conversation to land a playoff spot, though they have a ways to go.
"I think everyone is aware," left wing Jeff Skinner said. "It's important to pick up points when you can."
The Hurricanes didn't do that Sunday, losing 2-0 at Florida.
They secured points in 10 of their previous 12 road games, something that has enabled them to avoid falling off the radar. Their next chance at getting points comes Tuesday night at the New York Rangers.
With mid-March approaching, the Hurricanes have looked back at some of the missed opportunities through the season. Those could come back to haunt them.
"We have lost some points because of those breaks," left wing Jussi Jokinen said.
NOTES, QUOTES
-LW Jeff Skinner has continued to make progress in his second season after racking up Rookie of the Year honors last season. He recently passed the 100-point career milestone, reaching that in 133 games. He has been particularly efficient against the Sunshine State opponents, combining for 20 points in 19 games against Tampa Bay and Florida despite going pointless against Florida on Sunday.
-The Hurricanes are 7-9-4 against Southeast Division opponents this season, failing to complete a weekend sweep against two divisional foes when they lost Sunday at Florida. The Hurricanes have four remaining games against divisional opponents.
ROSTER REPORT
-D Joni Pitkanen should be next on the list of players potentially returning to the lineup after injuries. Pitkanen has been skating with assistant coaches outside of regular practices as a way to begin the comeback from knee surgery. A return in March was an original target time for him to be back in games.
-D/LW Derek Joslin recently reached a milestone by playing in his 100th game, then he was a healthy scratch. But his versatility as a defenseman or forward might be one of his strongest attributes, especially as the team faces a busy schedule in March and continues to deal with injuries on a regular basis.
-C Eric Staal played sick Saturday night at Tampa Bay, then logged 17 minutes the next day at Florida. He went without a point in both games, so he has stalled since his 12-game point streak.
-LW Jiri Tlusty (upper body) left the March 10 game at Tampa Bay and didn't play the next day at Florida. His status is undetermined.
-D Joni Pitkanen (concussion) was injured Dec. 6 against Calgary and has missed every game since then. He underwent knee surgery Jan. 3. The new target date for his return is mid-March.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're quietly sneaking up on teams. Everybody is talking about everybody except us. We're putting points together." -- Coach Kirk Muller, whose team has escaped the Eastern Division cellar.
