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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 takeaways from win over Maple Leafs

By Andrew Miller

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ron Hainsey (2) with a nifty backhand pass in front of Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (20). Toronto Maple Leafs VS Carolina Panthers during 1st period action in NHL regular season play at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ron Hainsey (2) with a nifty backhand pass in front of Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (20). Toronto Maple Leafs VS Carolina Panthers during 1st period action in NHL regular season play at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 26: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs battles past Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on October 26, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 26: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs battles past Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on October 26, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

5. Jaccob Slavin still deserves more credit

The Canes have a very special player on their blue line in Jaccob Slavin. Against the Leafs, Slavin had another huge test against Auston Matthews. Slavin has now faced talents like Matthews, Connor McDavid, Tyler Seguin, Artemi Panarin, Patrik Laine, and Johnny Gaudreau.

It has been the responsibility of Slavin and Brett Pesce to shut down opposing first liners before they’re able to get to the net. Slavin is among the best in the NHL at shutting down some of the best players in the league.

Matthews did get on the board once against the Canes, but he’s almost averaging one goal per game. Holding him to one goal was actually a pretty good accomplishment. While few teams can hold Matthews off the score sheet completely, the Canes still got it done.

Carolina really has a defenseman with a shot at winning the Norris Trophy. He’s already got four points through eight games. That’s on pace to eclipse his career-mark of 34 points set last season.

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