How the Carolina Hurricanes' Strong Start Could Lead to Their First Stanley Cup Title

The Carolina Hurricanes have gotten off to a remarkable start this season, with a current Elo rating of 1569 that is not only the highest in the NHL but also the best mark the franchise has ever carried after the first 13 games of a season. Led by winger Andrei Svechnikov, who may not be among the top 20 goal-scorers or top 10 point-earners in the league, the Hurricanes have won 11 of their 13 contests this year and now boast a league-best 12% chance to hoist Lord Stanley's Mug.

One of the key factors behind the Hurricanes' success has been their ability to outscore opponents. With a goal differential per game of +1.54, they lead the NHL in that category and have the sixth-best offense in the league. This is a significant improvement from recent seasons, during which the team struggled to find consistency and ultimately fell short in the playoffs.

Despite being swept by the Boston Bruins in the 2019 East final, losing again to the Bruins in the 2020 first round, and falling short against the Lightning in a five-game second-round battle last spring, the Hurricanes have shown significant growth under head coach Rod Brind'Amour. This season, they are looking closer than ever before to achieving their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

The team's strong start has also been fueled by its ability to play well against top opponents. In a league dominated by teams like the Colorado Avalanche, perennial-powerhouse Vegas Golden Knights, and two-time-defending-champ Tampa Bay Lightning, it's impressive that the Hurricanes have been able to hold their own against these talented squads.

As we near the midpoint of the season, it will be interesting to see if the Hurricanes can maintain their current pace. If they do, they could very well find themselves hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. For now, fans of the team are enjoying the ride and hoping that this strong start is a sign of things to come.

Download the Carolina Hurricanes' schedule and stay up-to-date on all their games this season.

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