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Carolina Hurricanes: Quick Trip North to Take On Ottawa Senators

By Dean Plunkett

Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal (11) scores the game winner in overtime against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal (11) scores the game winner in overtime against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a minor winter storm hit Raleigh this week the Carolina Hurricanes are in Ottawa to see what real winter weather is like…and get two points for a win.

The Canes are hoping to build off their performances in the last three games, where they gained five valuable points for their 2016 playoff push.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game

Game Information:
Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators
Thursday, February 18, 2016, 7:30 pm (EST)
Canadian Tire Center, Kanata, Ontario
Fox Sports Southeast/99.9 FM The Fan

Related Story: Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Battle - February 18th

Season Records:
Carolina Hurricanes – 26-21-10 – 62 points – 6th in Metropolitan – 10th in East – 2 points out of Wild Card spot
Ottawa Senators – 26-26-6 – 58 points – 6th in Atlantic – 13th in East – 6 points out of a Wild Card spot

Recent Team Records: (Last 10-20-30 with Points %)
Carolina Hurricanes – 6-2-2 (70%) – 11-4-5 (68%) – 16-8-6 (63%)
Ottawa Senators – 4-6-0 (40%) – 8-12-0 (40%) – 11-18-1 (38%)

Team and Player Notes:

Since January 7th the Carolina Hurricanes have posted a record of 7-3-3 in thirteen games. Over those games the Canes special teams have finally stepped up in time for the playoff battle. The short-handed unit has performed admirably, successfully killing off 32 of the last 37 penalties (86%), with the unit registering a 21 for 23 kill, or 91%, in the seven wins during this stretch.

The Carolina Hurricanes power play unit has been consistent for the year – consistently weak – recording a bottom-of-the-league 17%. The one bright spot recently, though, is that they have more power play opportunities for every penalty they take. And in the last game versus the Winnipeg Jets the power play had 2 goals on 5 attempts (40%).

“I don’t know who’s playing better in the league. I don’t watch every game but I’ll tell you what, he’s playing very, very well. He’s playing valuable, big minutes, and he’s coming through.” Carolina Coach Bill Peters on Jordan Staal’s recent play, as reported by USA Today.

The Canes young defensive corps has been solid, even without their All Star teammate

Justin Faulk

. Over the last 16 games the Hurricanes have a very good 2.13 goals-against average, one of the best in the league in that period. This season they are allowing only 26.7 shots on goal per game, the second-fewest in the NHL.

It’s difficult to find something positive to write about the Ottawa Senators and their season record. They are 4-6-0 in their last ten games, 8-12-0 in their last twenty, and 11-18-1 since December 10th. They are allowing a league-high 33.1 shots per game and ranks 29th in penalty killing. Hmmm, let’s see.

The Senators have consistently earned points in 40% of the games they’ve played over that period, so they have that going for them, which is nice.

  • The Hurricanes “second line” of Jordan Staal, Andrej Nestrasil, and Joakim Nordstrom have combined for 29 points (10g, 19a) over the past month, and the line has been responsible for almost 30% of the teams total goals over that period. Jordan has been averaging a point per game with three goals and ten assists.
  • Cam Ward is travelling with the team, and could be back net if he feels good after the morning skate. He missed Tuesday’s win with a lower-body injury. Ward has a 0.918 save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average over the last five games. If he can’t start, Eddie Lack is ready to go, boasting a 0.926 SV% and 1.6 GAA over his last five starts. All Star defenseman Justin Faulk will miss a fourth straight game with a leg injury.
  • Senators goalie, Craig Anderson, is 3-2-0 with a 1.59 GAA and .952 save percentage over his last five starts. Anderson continues to play best at home, where he’s registered a 2.17 GAA in home starts compared to a 3.46 mark on the road.

    • The Carolina Hurricanes are smack dab in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, contrary to all of the pundits’ prognostications at the beginning of the season. If this team keeps playing like it has been recently, and they get back their injured players, You won’t see General Manager Ron Francis selling many pieces before the February 29th trade deadline. You could see him shopping around for some playoff pieces. Stay tuned.

    Go Canes!

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