Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer. The New York Rangers had the NHL's best regular-season record. The Carolina Hurricanes finished directly in their rearview mirror, three points back -- and objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. "The Rangers were the best team, and we were on their heels all year," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said.
GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
82 | 55 | 23 | 4 | 114 | |
82 | 52 | 23 | 7 | 111 | |
82 | 39 | 27 | 16 | 94 | |
82 | 40 | 31 | 11 | 91 | |
82 | 38 | 32 | 12 | 88 | |
82 | 38 | 33 | 11 | 87 | |
82 | 38 | 39 | 5 | 81 | |
82 | 27 | 43 | 12 | 66 |