RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The Carolina Hurricanes look to solidify their playoff position when they host the struggling New York Rangers on Monday night at Lenovo Center. Carolina (22-14-0) sits comfortably above the Eastern Conference playoff line, while New York (19-21-0) seeks consistency to climb back into the race. The Hurricanes have won four of their last six games despite a 5-2 loss to Florida in their most recent outing on Dec. 23. The Rangers are looking to rebound from a 2-0 road loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday. The season series is split, with each team winning on the other’s home ice. The Rangers earned a 4-2 victory here on Nov. 26, but the Hurricanes responded with a 3-0 shutout in New York on Nov. 4. A key matchup will be at center ice, featuring two of each team’s top performers. Carolina’s Sebastian Aho has been productive, recording five goals and four assists over his last 10 games, including a two-goal, one-assist effort in a 4-1 win at Nashville on Dec. 17. For the Rangers, Vincent Trocheck enters on a hot streak. He has three goals and three assists in his last five games, highlighted by a two-goal, one-assist performance in a 7-3 rout of Washington on Dec. 23. His line will be critical against Carolina’s structured defensive system. The Hurricanes’ recent success has been built on strong goaltending and timely scoring, going 6-3-1 in their last 10. The Rangers have been more volatile, posting a 4-5-1 record in that same span, with three of those wins requiring overtime or a shootout. Following this game, Carolina begins a quick two-game trip at Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The Rangers continue a road swing at Washington on Wednesday for a New Year’s Eve matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.