Every week, Cardiac Cane will make a complete wrap-up of the Carolina Hurricane’s week for the 2015-2016 season.
Preseason 11/2 – 11/8
Summary:
With nearly an entire week of practices before a back to back scenario, the Carolina Hurricanes looked to bounce back after losing at home to the Lightning on Sunday. There was reason for optimism since Carolina had won 3 of 4 and began to score goals with more frequency. But, it wouldn’t be easy. The Stars and Senators were two high flying teams.
On Friday, the Hurricanes faced the Dallas Stars. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have been scorching hot this season. Both are keeping pace with Patrick Kane at the top of the scoring race. It was paramount that the ‘Canes stop them. To the Hurricanes’ credit, they did that for the most part, with Justin Faulk even crushing Benn along the boards at one point. However, the team fell flat in other aspects of the game.
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After a scoreless 2nd period, Carolina actually jumped out to an early lead thanks to a couple tight passes between the Staal brothers. Jordan Staal netted the opening goal. The Stars answered in the form of Ales Hemsky. There might have been goaltender interference, but Bill Peters’ challenge didn’t overturn the call, so the goal stood.
Early in the 3rd, a puck hopped Ron Hainsey‘s stick and Patrick Sharp scored on the resulting 2 on 1. The assist was given to Seguin. Desperate to get back into the game, the ‘Canes pushed, but were punished by rookie Radek Faksa. The Stars added an empty netter, ending the game 4-1. A disappointing result, especially since goalie Eddie Lack was very solid.
Dropping the last two, it was imperative to get a winning result against Ottawa. The ‘Canes responded and came out with much more fire in this one. Carolina put up 46 shots in the game, but the game was still scoreless into the 2nd. On the powerplay, Victor Rask won a faceoff back to Faulk who blasted his 5th powerplay goal of the year, and yes, that leads the entire NHL. The Sens pushed back and took the lead by the end of the period courtesy of Alex Chiasson and Chris Wideman.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes fought all 3rd period looking for an equalizer, but it just wasn’t coming. The story was so familiar and so heartbreaking. The Stars iced the puck with about 12 seconds left, so there was one more chance. Jordan Staal won the faceoff to Jeff Skinner who backhanded it towards goal. Victor Rask, Kris Versteeg, and Eric Staal crashed the net and the puck disappeared for a few seconds. It somehow trickled to Skinner who then roofed it over a sprawled Andrew Hammond. The game was tied. In overtime, the Staals and Faulk had a dominate shift and Jordon found the game winner. The game ended 3-2 Carolina.
The win against Ottawa should be a big boost going forward. Skinner and Jordan both found their offensive touch and the team battled incredibly hard to comeback. Skinner’s passion after scoring the tying goal was evident, so hopefully that motivates him going forward. The comeback result was reminiscent of the infamous New Year’s Eve victory against the Montreal Canadians in 2013.
To finish out the week, Hurricanes owner Peter Karmonos was involved in festivities around his Hockey Hall of Fame induction. He is to be formally inducted on Monday.
Cane of the Week:
Jordan Staal – 2GP, 2G, 1A, +1
It sure took long enough, but it seems that finally Jordan Staal has found his form in 2015-2016. After registering his first points of the year last week, he followed it up this week by being the ‘Canes best forward. Against Dallas, the two Staals, Jordan in particular, were probably the team’s best players. In the 2nd period they linked up for a nice goal that temporally put the team ahead.
The following night, Jordan was even better. He didn’t get on the score sheet until the very end of the game, but it was deserved. He drove the net hard on Skinner’s late tally and scored a vintage Jordan Staal wrist shot in overtime. It was the type of performance that justified the ‘Canes acquisition of him back in 2012. After going scoreless for 9 games, he somehow has climbed himself to 5th on the team in scoring. It is safe to say the Jordan Staal of old is back, so Caniac Nation rejoice.
The Forecast:
Tuesday 7:00 pm @ Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers
Thursday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Minnesota Wild
Saturday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers
The ‘Canes start the week with their only away game. They travel to MSG to do battle with the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist has a ridiculous .945 save percentage, good enough for best in the league. Next they come back home for another home stand, this time starting with the Wild. The away team will be led by Zach Parise, who has 7 goals. Finally, Carolina takes on Philly, both of whom have had trouble scoring this season. It will be interesting to see which offense has more firepower in this one. If the Hurricanes hope to get back into the playoff picture, wins against divisional opponents like the Rangers and Flyers will help them move in the right direction.