Carolina Hurricanes Get Two Wins, Finish Week Strong after Christmas
Every week, Cardiac Cane will make a complete wrap-up of the Carolina Hurricanes’ week for the 2015-2016 season.
Regular Season 12/21-12/27
Summary:
Overall, it was a happy holiday week for the Carolina Hurricanes as they managed two wins out of a possible three. A home defeat to the Caps dampened the team’s spirits going into the Christmas break, but consecutive wins on the weekend over the Devils and Blackhawks have ‘Canes feeling jolly going into year 2016. Here’s how it happened.
More from Cardiac Cane – Ryan Murphy is the Odd-Man Out on Defense
Last Monday, the Hurricanes were at home and riding high after a win in Pittsburgh two days before. However, with the Washington Capitals in town it was always going to be a challenge. The Caps are arguably the best team in hockey and have loads of weapons. Cam Ward and the rest of the ‘Canes played solid though. The Caps scored first when Ward couldn’t control a shot from the point and Michael Latta swatted in the rebound. In the 2nd period, the Caps won a draw a blasted a shot from the point that hit off Justin Faulk’s skate and in. It was an unfortunate goal that proved to be the winner.
In the games entirety, Carolina didn’t look terribly threatening to score. If it wasn’t for Kris Versteeg’s beauty at the side of net in the 3rd, the ‘Canes looked likely to be shut out. It was a glaring flaw in an otherwise great game. Carolina effectively eliminated Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, proving again that defense is the present and future of this team.
It wouldn’t be until Saturday when the Hurricanes hit the ice again. After the Christmas break, Carolina suited up for a clash with the New Jersey Devils. The Devils, featuring former ‘Canes Tuomo Ruutu and Jiri Tlusty, had beaten Carolina 5-1 in their previous meeting, so confidence wasn’t exactly high. Yet, Carolina managed to turn the tables on New Jersey. Brett Pesce opened scoring in the 2nd period with a slow, on-ice wrist shot that somehow squeaked past Cory Schneider. The Devils answer in the 3rd with Kyle Palmieri only to concede again to ‘Canes defenseman Justin Faulk. It was his 13th of the year and first even strength goal. Joakim Nordstrom scored a rocket slapshot late in the 3rd to seal victory.
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Eyes On Isles
Much like the game against Washington, Carolina was stout defensively. Cam Ward continued his fine play from the previous three games. The main difference was the offensive was clicking. The “checking” line of Jordan Staal, Andrej Nestrasil, and Nordstrom was particularly strong. Those three have continued to show decent chemistry even against team’s top lines.
Carolina flew off to Chicago for a date with the Blackhawks on Sunday. While there wasn’t explosive offense from the Hurricanes, it was their best performance of the season. Eddie Lack nearly pitched a shutout, giving up a goal with 3 seconds remaining, but was very impressive. The star was Faulk. He scored in the 2nd period with a sick wrister and effectively shut down the league’s best player, Patrick Kane. Victor Rask added a goal of his own early in the 3rd to put the game out of reach for the defending Stanley Cup champions. Jeff Skinner also looked dangerous. He contributed assists on both Carolina goals.
As strange as it is, the fourth leading scoring defenseman, Faulk, hasn’t received much attention nationally for the Norris trophy. This game might very well change that. In a game that featured Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, Faulk was far and away the game’s best player. Perhaps more impressively, he stopped Kane’s line on the road in Chicago, something few if any defensemen have done this season.
Outside of the NHL, the World Junior Championships began this week. The four Hurricane prospects are participating and all opened play on day one. For Finland, winger Sebastian Aho played exceptionally well in his first game, registering three assists, which leads the tournament so far. Team USA opened the tournament against Canada. In a really exciting contest, the USA defeated the Canadians 4-2. American goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, a ‘Canes prospect, played fantastic, denying the Canadians with some beautiful and athletic saves. On the Team Canada side, defensemen Roland McKeown and Haydn Fleury struggled as McKeown failed to get much ice time and Fleury was a -1. Go ‘Canes. Go America!
Cane of the Week:
John-Michael Liles – 3GP, 2A, +3
Many times, Liles is overlooked by myself and Caniac Nation and that’s very unfair. John-Michael Liles played fantastic this past week and he did so very quietly. As Bill Peters changed up the defensive pairings this week, Liles adapted beautifully. He was solid shift after shift. Not only that, his responsibility has been increasing by the game. Against Chicago he logged nearly 23 minutes.
When Liles was acquired about two years ago, it was assumed that he would mentor fellow offensive defenseman Ryan Murphy. As time has worn on, Liles has altered his game to become a shutdown defenseman and an excellent team player. Along with Ron Hainsey, his veteran presence on the blue line has drastically helped the likes of Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and Jaccob Slavin. Expect his good play to continue and his influence to be felt for years to come.
Honorable Mentions: Cam Ward, Joakim Norstrom, Justin Faulk
The Forecast:
Tuesday 7:00 pm @ Prudential Center against the New Jersey Devils
Thursday 6:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Washington Capitals
Saturday 7:00 pm @ PNC Arena against the Nashville Predators
Next: Hurricanes Stun Blackhawks in Chicago
The ‘Canes move on from Chicago to the Garden State to face off with the Devils for the third time in December. The two teams have traded wins so far. To close out 2015, the Hurricanes battle with the Caps. The last time the Hurricanes played on New Year’s Eve, they had a memorable win against the Canadeins, so maybe they can repeat. To start 2016, the Nashville Predators are paying the ‘Canes a visit. This match-up is particularly interesting since it is likely Nashville is scouting Eric Staal and Ron Francis is scouting anyone he can get in return for Eric in a trade.