Carolina at Tampa Bay

The Carolina Hurricanes survived a horrible start that included a 14-game winless streak as well as coming out on the right side of just seven of their first 32 games. They have been dramatically better since, having now come out on the right side of 18 of their last 29. Tampa Bay has begun to match the Canes early-season futility as the Lightning have now come out on the right side of just five of their last 20. What makes matters worse here is the fact that the Hurricanes have taken nine of the last 12 games in this series, and are playing at a much higher level right now. I'll go with Carolina in this one.