Carolina Hurricanes Can’t Capitalize on the Past Week’s Oppurtunities
Every week, Cardiac Cane will make a complete wrap-up of the Carolina Hurricanes’ week for the 2015-2016 season.
Preseason 12/14-12/20
Summary:
Riding a serious high streak, the Carolina Hurricanes were licking their lips at teams just above them in the NHL standings. The opportunity to leap frog a few of those teams was present, but Carolina failed to take full advantage. A tough loss to Philly, a poor display against Florida, and a solid performance in Pittsburgh left the Hurricanes almost exactly where they started. Here’s how it went down.
For the third time this season, the Carolina Hurricanes lost in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers. Shayne Gostisbehere converted in the extra period to win it 4-3. It was extremely disappointing considering what transpired earlier. Jeff Skinner put on a show. He netted his fourth career hat trick and second in less than a week. His first goal was in the 1st period. He used a defensemen as a screen to goal five hole on goalie Michal Neuvirth. After Philly tied it in the 2nd, Skinner struck again on the powerplay, batting the puck out of midair in the crease. Now down 3-2 in the 3rd, Phil Di Guiseppe played the puck along the boards to Skinner who crossed into the offensive zone. With three Flyers closing in on him, Skinner cut into the slot and wired a wrister off the post and in. This goal was definitely the pick of the lot.
Besides Skinner, the ‘Canes offensive was not very lethal at all, especially considering where it was last week. Eric Staal, Elias Lindholm, Kris Versteeg, and Jordan Staal weren’t getting much else going. Also, net minder Eddie Lack conceded 4 goals. He was not as sharp as he was last week and it probably cost Carolina and Jeff Skinner a memorable victory.
In light of Lack’s subpar performance against the Flyers, Cam Ward drew back into the lineup. His absence clearly was inspiration for him as Ward put forth a fantastic effort. He and Roberto Luongo were the story of this game. The ‘Canes put up a number of good chances against the Florida goalie, but couldn’t find a way through. In particular, the Jordan Staal line with Joakim Nordstorm and Andrej Nestrasil were creating tons of chances. The score remained 0-0 well in the 3rd period until an unlikely scorer, Willie Mitchell, was left wide open out in front. He scored off a nice feed from Jonathan Huberdeau.
Carolina Hurricanes
Ward was back in the pipes again the next night in Pittsburgh. His fine play continued, except he was rewarded on this outing. With the Penguins struggling to find goals, points, and leadership, the Hurricanes took advantage. Awarded three powerplays in the 1st period, the ‘Canes converted on two. Jordan Staal flew into the zone, skated around the defense, and beat the goaltender below the arm for the first power play marker. It was his first goal against his old team and one that was very reminiscent of his days as a Penguin. At the end of the period, John-Michael Liles scored his first goal of the season when he blasted a slapshot from the point. Those two goals proved to be enough. Cam Ward only gave up an Evgeni Malkin tally, but was rock solid for the rest of the game.
Amazingly, the Hurricanes powerplay has been lights out. They have 10 powerplay goals in the last 8 games, and they aren’t all coming from Justin Faulk. Even when they haven’t scored, the zone entries have been well executed, the passing crisp, and the net has been crashed. Hopefully it continues.
In news outside of the NHL, the World Junior Championship rosters are being finalized for the 2016 edition of the tournament. The ‘Canes decided not to loan Noah Hanifin to Team USA. Still, four Hurricanes prospects are involved this season. On team Canada, former 1st round pick Haydn Fleury looks to be a leader on defense. He will be joined by fellow Hurricanes prospect Roland McKeown on the Canadian blue line. Forward Sebastian Aho, the ‘Canes 2nd round pick in 2015, is suiting up for his native Finland. Finally, for Team USA, Alex Nedeljkovic is playing in goal. It is still unclear if he will be the game one starter for the red, white, and blue. The tournament beings December 26th. Go ‘Canes, go America!
Cane of the Week:
Jeff Skinner – 3GP, 3G, -1
Although he went pointless in the final two games of the week, Skinner was fantastic in Philadelphia. Justin Faulk edged out Skinner for player of last week after the former rookie of the year scored his third career hat trick. On Tuesday, Skinner managed his second three goal game in three tries. The entire team was halted offensively against Florida, but Skinner was an active presence against Pittsburgh even though he couldn’t convert.
All of the sudden, Jeff Skinner is on pace for a new career high in goal scoring. After very recently being criticized for poor offensive production, his scoring has skyrocketed. Now that Skinner is shooting at his highest scoring percentage since his rookie year, look for his goals to keep on coming. On the other hand, his three assists is incredibly underwhelming. As defensemen start to try to limit his shots, he can become a more balanced point producer and be even more dynamic on offense going forward.
This pick was sort of cheating as it was more a reflection of Skinner’s play over the last two weeks rather than just this past one. Still, his resurgence has been the major contributor to the Hurricanes recent success.
Honorable Mentions: Cam Ward, John-Michael Liles
The Forecast:
Monday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Washington Capitals
Saturday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the New Jersey Devils
Sunday 7:00 pm @ United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks
December has been good to the guys in red, rewarding them with a 5-3-1 record. If the Hurricanes hope to continue their success, this week will be a stiff test. First, it’s a divisional game against the Capitals, who scored 7 goals on the Rangers on Sunday.
Next: Cam Ward Carries Canes to Victory Over Pens
The Caps are probably the best team in hockey right now, so the ‘Canes will have to be near perfect on Monday. After a Christmas break, the squad faces off against a Devils team that routed them in their last meeting 5-1. It’s a quick turn around with the final game of the week being in Chicago against Patrick Kane and the Blackhawks. It’s Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstorm’s homecoming to the team they won the Stanley Cup with last season. Expect them to be skating hard on Sunday.