With destiny in their own hands, the Carolina Hurricanes let the division title, and consequently their playoff hopes, slip though their fingers Friday night.

With a win at home against the Florida Panthers, The Canes would have won the division.  It was as simple as that.  But with a loss, it would get complex, and they would need help to assure their spot in the quest for Lord Stanley’s Trophy.

The Canes had 9 powerplay opportunities, including two 5 on 3 opportunities, while the Panthers had none. They outshot the Florida 46-17, but it wasn’t enough, losing the game 4-3, and along with it, control of their own destiny. 

They still had a shot at finishing in the top eight if the Devils had beat the Flyers Friday - didn’t happen, or they could still have won the division and had home ice if Washington fell to the Panthers on Saturday, as the Canes had the night before, - didn’t happen.

In the end, Carolina lost 3 out of their last 4 games, and despite leading the Southeast division for most of the season, they, like the rest of us will be watching Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals in the playoffs.