One of the most consistent players on the road trip was Sebastian Aho, who is riding a six-game goal streak, the longest such stretch of his career, and a seven-game point streak. Only Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, Alex Ovechkin, Leon Draisaitl, Jack Eichel and Nathan MacKinnon have more goals than Aho (31) this season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Aho remained in the middle of Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen in Thursday's practice. That line fueled the Canes' come-from-behind win in Arizona and was a driving force offensively in Vegas and Dallas, as well.
"We need everyone, for sure, on board and getting that effort. That's what I'm really looking for," Brind'Amour said. "I want to see all 20 guys digging in."
Down the Stretch
The Canes are coming off a stretch of seven consecutive games against Western Conference opponents.
In the final month-and-a-half of the season, 21 of the Canes' 26 games will be played within the Eastern Conference, and 12 of those 21 games will feature Metropolitan Division opponents.
The Canes are currently fighting to get back across the wild card playoff line in the Eastern Conference.
"Arguably, our division is the best division in hockey. It's not going to be easy, that's for sure," Brind'Amour said. "Every game is so important. There is never an easy night."
The Last Meeting
The Devils scored their first road win of the season when
these two Metro Division teams last met on Nov. 2
. Erik Haula netted what was then his team-leading eighth goal of the season, but P.K. Subban tallied the game-winning goal in the third period in a 5-3 final.
