Huge win

In the long hockey season, the real playoffs start about now, with 25 to 30 games left as teams jockey not only to get into the playoffs, but for position.

For the Hurricanes, last night's comeback win over the Bruins in Boston was huge. A defending Stanley Cup champion should, at this time of year, be winning games against lesser teams on the road and winning nearly all of its home games. Ray Whitney came up big with a natural hat trick late in the second period and the 'Canes were home free after looking out of sync for much of the first two periods.

For the difference in intensity requires of teams hoping to make it, my team, the Rangers, has displayed nothing the past three weeks and is sinking faster than (insert your own metaphor here).

It will be fascinating to watch how the 'Canes finish through the stretch and in the playoffs. While the Sabres are looking like the team to beat in the East, the 'Canes, having been there before and with the same nucleus as last year, should be a challenge for anyone in the playoffs. Trade deadline is fast approaching, too, and the moves made should be interesting. Will the 'Canes try to pick up help as they did last year, or are they OK with the team they've got?

Better yet, let's throw it out there: If you were Jim Rutherford, who would you like to see the 'Canes make a bid on and why? (and let's be realistic, only thinking about players who could/should be available. The 'Canes aren't going to acquire Sidney Crosby)