(My Sportsbook) - Last season was a huge disappointment for the Carolina Hurricanes and they are trying hard to erase any lingering memories of the letdown in the early stages of this year.

Carolina won the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup title in 2006, but failed to even make the playoffs the following season. However, the Hurricanes seem to be in great form so far in 2007-08 and the rest of the Southeast Division should be taking notice.

The Hurricanes are 10-4-3 in their first 17 games of the season and come into Monday's game with a six-point lead over Tampa Bay in the Southeast.

Carolina is actually in the midst of a nine-game stretch against division opponents and is 3-2 so far in those contests. The Hurricanes will visit the Florida Panthers tonight in another Southeast Division battle.

The Hurricanes did win their most recent outing as they ousted the Thrashers in Atlanta on Saturday.

Rod Brind'Amour had a pair of goals, Cory Stillman had a goal and two assists and Eric Staal added a goal and an helper for the Hurricanes. Ray Whitney posted two helpers to extend his points streak to nine games, amassing seven goals and eight assists in that span.

Brind'Amour and Staal have led the way for the Hurricanes on offense this season. Staal has notched a team-high 12 goals, while the captain is leading the club in assists (15) and points (23).

Carolina goaltender Cam Ward has also bounced back from a tough 2006-07 campaign and is a big reason for his teams return to for. Ward, who made 32 saves in Saturday's win, is 8-3-2 with a .914 save percentage and 2.58 goals against average.

The Hurricanes may not be in line for another Stanley Cup title this season, but the club will settle for being a player in the East come playoff time. So far, Carolina is headed in the right direction.