With Pittsburgh and the Rangers both losing Sunday, the Hurricanes benefited and currently control their own destiny to reach the playoffs. The Panthers, who sit ninth with 80 points (five behind sixth-place Carolina with two games in hand) host the Canes tonight in a crucial playoff race matchup.

Panthers Game Previews

News & Observer: Hurricanes chase 'bigger and bigger'

N&O's Canes Now: Hurricanes' Cullen won't play against the Panthers

Associated Press: Hurricanes-Panthers preview

Miami Herald: Florida Panthers begin final 10-game stretch

Palm Beach Post: Horton expected back to Panthers on Monday

Visit Litter Box Cats for a Panthers perspective

Hurricanes News

The Hockey News: Getting to know Eric Staal

Albany River Rats

Albany Times Union: Short-handed Rats win • Rats notes 'n quotes

Schnectady Daily Gazette: Rats goalie comes up with another gem

Canes Prospects In CHL Playoffs

Plymouth Whalers (Series with Sarnia tied 1-1): Lose Game 1 • Win Game 2 

Belleville Bulls (Bulls lead series vs. Sudbury 2-1): Win Game 3 

Lethbridge Hurricanes (Series with Saskatoon tied 1-1): Lose Game 1 • Win Game 2 (Boychuk hat trick)

Spokane Chiefs (Chiefs lead series 1-0): Win Game 1 (Bowman scores both goals in 2-1 win)

Other

Jamie McBain named WCHA player of the year: More accolades for the defenseman.