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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 takeaways from win over Blue Jackets

By Andrew Miller

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 10: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets battle for the puck against the boards during the first period of a game on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 10: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets battle for the puck against the boards during the first period of a game on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts after scoring a goal during the second period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts after scoring a goal during the second period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Jordan Staal is streaky, but necessary for the Canes’ success

If not for a huge effort from Staal in the second and third period, the Canes might have lost this one. The reach that Staal possesses was able to thwart the former Vezina Trophy winner Bobrovsky on two occasions.

The first line trio of Staal-Aho-Teravainen is proving their worth in a short period of time. Teravainen is having a good season with nine points now, despite missing some time due to a shoulder injury. It took some time for him to get back in the swing of things.

A playoff run for the Canes this season would require a career year from Staal as one of the co-captains alongside Faulk. He’s a huge x-factor with this first line, especially with Aho going through a goal drought in the first 14 games.

Staal has shown now that he is going to be a rather streaky player this season. His first four points of the year came in one game against the Oilers. Moreover, two of his six goals came in this game. Only time will tell if Staal’s production will even out.

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