Carolina Hurricanes Win Two of Three Games, Trending Upwards Before All-Star Weekend
Every week, Cardiac Cane will make a complete wrap-up of the Carolina Hurricanes’ week for the 2015-2016 season.
Regular Season 1/18-1/24
Summary:
The NHL All-Star Game is fast approaching and the Carolina Hurricanes are making things interesting for their fans and the entire league. This past week, Carolina won two of three improving to 52 points on the season, only three points out of a Wild Card berth. Here’s how the week played out.
More from Cardiac Cane – Hurricanes Need a Hot Goalie to Make a Playoff Push
Up in Canada, the Hurricanes played the Toronto Maple Leafs to an incredibly uneventful 0-0 tie through regulation. The open ice in 3v3 overtime gave the game the life it drastically needed. In the extra period, Jordan Staal came up the ice with Justin Faulk and Brett Pesce. Once over the blueline, Staal fed Faulk while Pesce crashed the net. Faulk wired a wrister, but the shot was saved. However, Pesce’s net drive momentarily freed Staal who punched home the game winning rebound.
The ‘Canes hustled back to PNC Arena the next night to face the Rangers. Despite coming off a win, everything was stacked against Carolina. New York had been waiting in Raleigh to play, allowing their players to rest. On top of that, snow and ice made it difficult for fans to get to the arena, severely dampening the atmosphere. This game was always going to be a struggle.
Carolina Hurricanes
The 1st period saw Carolina hemmed in. John-Michael Liles attempted a breakout pass, but instead gave it right to Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers captain skated into Carolina’s zone and sniped the puck bar down. The first goal was representative of the entire night. New York benefitted greatly from rough nights by Noah Hanifin and Jaccob Slavin. Turnovers were frequent and costly. Simply, the Rangers were at a level one or two notches above the ‘Canes. Although Carolina had life early in the 2nd period thanks to Joakim Nordstrom, Henrik Lundqvist and the Blue Shirts shut the door. 4-1 was the final.
With one goal in each of the last two games, offense was a focal point in Sunday’s game against the Flames. Carolina put up 5 goals, forcing a pull of starting goalie Karri Ramo. Half way through the game, Carolina had a 3-0 lead. Victor Rask had a nice individual goal in the 1st. Elias Lindholm scored on a penalty shot late in the period and Eric Staal fed Kris Versteeg for goal three early in the 2nd period. Calgary fought back however, clawing back to 3-2.
Fearing a comeback, Jeff Skinner upped his pressure in the offensive zone. Eventually he took a puck from behind the net and shoved it into the crease. Versteeg was there to jam it in. Only 32 seconds later, Nordstrom scored a turnaround wrist shot to douse the Flames’ hopes. Carolina got back on the winning track with a 5-2 victory.
Eddie Lack recorded his first career shutout for Carolina against Toronto. He recorded 31 saves en route to a victory against Calgary. Even against the Rangers, his conceded goals weren’t soft. He is steadily becoming a much more consistent goalie. Even more impressive is his ability to make the important save, which was particularly evident against Calgary at 3-2. Right now, the net is Lack’s and will stay that way. Cam Ward is still shelved by a concussion.
Cane of the Week:
Joakim Nordstrom – 3GP, 2G, +2
Frankly, the entire line of Nordstrom, Andrej Nestrasil, and Jordan Staal deserve recognition, but I elected to pick the one who pocketed the most goals. Nordstrom scored two goals this week, one against Henrik Lundqvist and another against Jonas Hiller. The second of which essentially won the game for Carolina against Calgary.
When he was acquired from Chicago, most fans assumed he was a filler piece attached to the real prize of Versteeg. It turns out that Nordstrom has been just as important to Carolina as Versteeg. While the points have come more quickly for Versteeg, the Swede has added speed and tenacity to the ‘Canes lineup. Nordstrom’s presence on the forecheck has led to tons of chances and zone time for the Hurricanes. In many ways, Nordstrom’s aggressiveness to get after defenders is reminiscent of the ‘Canes of old.
The line of J. Staal, Nestrasil, and Nordstrom is the Hurricanes best and most consistent line. They shutdown whoever they are playing against and if the ‘Canes aren’t scoring, they score themselves. This past week, Nordstrom was a vital part of Carolina’s success and should continue to be going forward.
Next: Kris Versteeg Turning into Key Piece of the Hurricanes' Future
The Forecast:
Tuesday 7:30 pm @ PNC Arena against the Chicago Blackhawks
Thursday – Sunday @ Nashville, TN for the NHL All-Star Weekend
There is only one meaningful game this week and it’s at home against the Blackhawks. It is the only nationally broadcasted Carolina Hurricanes game this season. On a big stage, Carolina could stop the Blackhawks incredibly hot run and show the nation that they are serious contenders for a playoff spot. Be loud PNC Arena. Also, Justin Faulk is off to the All-Star Game for the second straight season. He will be on Metropolitan Division team in the 3v3 tournament. Good luck to Faulk.
For even more reads on the Carolina Hurricanes, check out Cardiac Cane’s new weekly news compilation: Around the Boards