Preview: Rangers vs. Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes close out a three-game homestand with their fourth and final regular-season match-up against the New York Rangers.
The Hurricanes are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, having posted a 16-5-1 record since New Year's Eve and a 6-1-0 record in their last seven games.

The Difference
The Hurricanes won back-to-back games against the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars this weekend, and the difference in each of those victories was stellar goaltending.
Curtis McElhinney made 40 saves on 41 shots against Edmonton on Friday, and Petr Mrazek posted a 33-save shutout, his third of the season and second in his last three starts, against Dallas on Saturday.
PROJECTED LINEUP
"It's fun when we can compete like that and battle and be friends off the ice," Mrazek said of his relationship with his veteran goaltending partner.
"[Goaltending] has been the difference in the last couple of games," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "They've been giving us a chance when we're not at our best."
Mrazek's three shutouts are the most by a Hurricanes goaltender in a single season since Cam Ward recorded five in 2011-12.
Over the last five games, Mrazek and McElhinney have recorded a combined record of 4-1-0, a 1.01 goals-against average and .966 save percentage.
Refreshing
Following the Canes' win on Saturday, Brind'Amour said his team looked tired, both emotionally and physically.
A day off Sunday, then, came at the right time.
"We've played a lot of hockey in a short amount of time, and you could see it. We just weren't sharp. We certainly worked hard, and I give the guys full marks for digging in. Our goaltenders were big this weekend," Brind'Amour said after Monday's practice. "You could see it took a toll on us, the amount of games we played in a short period of time. Now we should be refreshed and ready to go again."
The Hurricanes have four games remaining on their February schedule, which includes a short two-game trip to Florida and Dallas later in the week.
The Last Meeting
The Hurricanes snapped a 16-game losing streak at Madison Square Garden (0-13-3) with a 3-0 win over the Rangers just 11 days ago. Mrazek made 27 saves to earn his second shutout of the season, and Warren Foegele scored the game-winning goal at the 6:43 mark of the third period.
The Opposition
The Rangers are 2-2-0 in the week-and-a-half since the two teams last met. They bested Toronto at home and Buffalo on the road, but dropped one-goal decisions in Winnipeg and Pittsburgh. Tonight's game wraps up a series of four straight on the road for the Rangers, who are 25-25-8 on the season and 10-16-2 away from home.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Refresh
After a stretch of nine games in the first 16 days of the month, the Canes have just four games in the final 12 days of the month. A day off Sunday preceded a practice day on Monday, and with no morning skate today, the Canes should be refreshed and ready to go tonight vs. the Rangers.
2. The Puck Stops Here
Curtis McElhinney and Petr Mrazek were the difference for the Canes over the weekend. Another strong outing for McElhinney will give the Canes a real good chance at success tonight.
3. Surge On
The Canes have been one of the top teams in the NHL since New Year's Eve. Keep that train rolling by executing and working hard.
AT THE RINK
It was a fun weekend at PNC Arena. Let's keep those vibes rolling.
The College Colors spotlight is on UNC tonight, and there's still time to take advantage of this special offer, which includes
a discounted ticket and a co-branded beanie
.
The
All-Star Chef Series
welcomes chefs Matthew Register (Southern Smoke BBQ) and Eric Montagne (Locals Oyster Bar) and bartender Max Trujillo to PNC Arena, where they will be serving
a tasty menu of food and drink
in a special pregame event. Limited seats remain!
WORTH A CLICK
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,
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