Every week, Cardiac Cane will make a complete wrap-up of the Hurricanes’ week for the 2015-2016 season.
Preseason 9/28-10/4
Summary:
This past week began with two pieces of news. First, the ‘Canes coaching staff issued a new round of cuts to the roster. The biggest names to get chopped were Sergey Tolchinsky and Phil Di Giuseppe. Both had decent preseasons. Di Giuseppe scored some points and Tolchinsky looked particularly dangerous in 3v3 overtime. Neither really stood out, but expect them to be in the conversation for a call-up if the Hurricanes find themselves shorthanded at wing.
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Secondly, there was a rumor out of the Le Journal de Montreal that Eric Staal has been asking for $9 million dollars per year, multi-year extension. To put that into perspective, Sidney Crosby makes $8.7 million a year. TSN Insider Bob McKenzie denied the rumor as accurate. True or not, Staal was the topic of discussion early in the week.
There was still hockey to be played this week. On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals came to town. It wasn’t exactly a dream start for the home team or defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who was diced up by a ridiculous Alex Ovechkin dangle and goal. The ‘Canes rebounded courtesy of Elias Lindholm. Early into the 2nd period, the Caps had a 3-1 lead, but Carolina stormed back with goals from Riley Nash and Nathan Gerbe. It stayed 3-3 through regulation and overtime, so a preseason shootout was needed to decide the game. Jeff Skinner and Gerbe answered the call and won the game for the ‘Canes.
Eyes On Isles
Next, the Penguins arrived in Raleigh for the preseason finale on Friday. Cam Ward started in goal looking to redeem himself after giving up 6 goals in his last meeting with Pittsburgh. To his credit, he was up to the challenge. He made 34 saves on 35 shots to help his team win 2-1. Former Pen Jordan Staal scored along with Chris Terry. The victory assured a winning record in preseason for the Hurricanes, with all four wins coming in consecutive games.
With Saturday brought the final round of cuts. Defensemen Haydn Fleury, Brett Pesce, Slavin were cut. Brock McGinn and free agent signing Derek Ryan were the other two players cut, both being sent down to Charlotte. Going into the regular season, the ‘Canes are fielding a roster of 22 players. Rookie Noah Hanifin made the opening night roster. Head Coach Bill Peters also announced that Cam Ward would start the first game of the season against the Nashville Predators. Finally, it was announced on Saturday that newly acquired goaltender Eddie Lack has agreed to a 2 year contract extension.
Cane of the Week:
Eric Staal – 2GP, 3A, +1
With only two games this past week, it was hard to pick out an individual who performed above the rest. In the end, Eric Staal seemed like a good choice. The captain finished the preseason with 3 points from the final two games. His best play was a nice pass to Nathan Gerbe, who scored on the power play against the Washington Capitals. He was also solid defensively, maintaining a positive plus minus.
Rumors of Staal demanding $9 million per year for his contract extension dominated the week’s early headlines. People questioned his commitment to the franchise not only in the long term, but in the short term as well. Staal managed to stand up to the criticism. His solid performance this week could mean two things. First, he could simply be trying to justify his rumored demands. I wouldn’t be alone in saying he needs more than two games to warrant that salary. Second, Staal’s performance this week can mean he is committed to leading by example for this upcoming season. His leadership and production have been in question for the past two seasons, so maybe this is a sign that he is back to his pre-2013 self.
Honorable Mentions: Nathan Gerbe, Kris Versteeg
The Forecast:
Thursday 8:00 pm @ Bridgestone Arena against the Nashville Predators
Saturday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Detroit Red Wings
The Carolina Hurricanes open the season on the road at Nashville. In recent years, the ‘Canes have had the Preds number in this Southern hockey rivalry, so expect a good game in Nashville’s home opener. Two days later, it’s the Hurricanes’ turn to open at home. They take on the Detroit Red Wings, who for the first time in nearly a decade don’t have Mike Babcock behind the bench. PNC Arena should be loud and ready for the new season.