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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 reasons playoff drought will be broken

By Andrew Miller

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 10: The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate with goaltender Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in a game on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 10: The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate with goaltender Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in a game on November 10, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 7: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck during an NHL game against the Florida Panthers on November 7, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 7: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck during an NHL game against the Florida Panthers on November 7, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

4. Jeff Skinner is ready to score 40 goals

The 2011 Calder Trophy winner has not made it to the playoffs yet. Jeff Skinner is so talented and has a very unique gift for putting the puck in the net considering his size. Despite hitting a rough patch recently, he still leads the team in goals.

Skinner’s seven goals are just ahead of co-captain Jordan Staal with six. Staal had a big night against the Jackets with two goals, including the game-winner. Yet, Skinner is sure to heat up again soon.

Setting a career mark last season with 37 goals should not be where Skinner peaks in his career. He should just now be entering his prime and has a great shot to achieve the 40 goal mark for the first time.

Skinner possesses the skill necessary to be the first 40 goal scorer for the Canes since Eric Staal. The players around him do need to step up. But, Peters did recently promote Skinner from the third to second line which could help as well.

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