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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 most important players for Playoff run in 2017-18

By Andrew Miller

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: Scott Darling #33 of the Carolina Hurricanes deflects a Columbus Blue Jackets shot during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: Scott Darling #33 of the Carolina Hurricanes deflects a Columbus Blue Jackets shot during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Scott Darling Goalie

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes /

Scouting Report

The goaltending situation has not been friendly to Carolina for the last few seasons. Anton Khudobin was the last reliable goalie besides Cam Ward within the last five or six seasons, and he was out of Raleigh pretty quick.

The acquisition of Scott Darling not only adds excitement to the franchise, the Canes have already shown commitment to him with a four-year contract extension. Darling posted some great numbers backing up Corey Crawford with the Chicago Blackhawks as well.

Ward played well in his lone start of the season, saving 48 of 51 shots against the Oilers. However, Darling is the set in stone starter as Ward is seemingly getting phased out during a declining period in the latter stages of his career.

A performance that saw Darling make 25 saves and only give up one goal to the Calgary Flames is a very encouraging sign. Ever since he let up four goals to the Minnesota Wild in the season opener, Darling’s performances have gotten better and better.

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