2. Lack of effort for 60 minutes
This is where the energy and motivation issue carries over. Peters has not instilled a sense of pride or energy in this team. As a result, the Canes cannot put together a full three period effort. That costs them, especially on the road.
Carolina created a theme of come from behind defeats this season. They’re very hot and cold and make it tough on the fans. And, the fans do not like to show up to the home games partly for that reason.
A great example of the Canes getting hopes of the fan base up just to crush any positive signs is the 5-4 overtime loss to San Jose. Sharks’ goalie Martin Jones had a rough start, by giving up three of the first four shots on goal. Jones shut down the Canes the rest of the way, only allowing one goal on more than 25 shots. Brent Burns won the game for the Sharks less than 15 seconds into overtime.
When the Canes won the Stanley Cup in 2006 and made their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2002, they played at peak level when it mattered most. Carolina seems to fall apart whenever any sort of momentum is in sight.