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Carolina Hurricanes: 3 reasons Aho injury kills playoff hopes

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 14: Carolina Hurricanes Center Marcus Kruger (16) helps Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Sebastian Aho (20) off the ice after getting struck in the head during a game between the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on January 14, 2017. Calgary defeated Carolina 4-1. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 14: Carolina Hurricanes Center Marcus Kruger (16) helps Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Sebastian Aho (20) off the ice after getting struck in the head during a game between the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on January 14, 2017. Calgary defeated Carolina 4-1. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 12: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on January 12, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 12: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on January 12, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Primary source of scoring sidelined

Carolina’s offensive production is inconsistent, at best, this season. Even more reliance falls on Staal, Skinner, and Teravainen now. The Canes also need veterans like Justin Williams and Lee Stempniak (once fully healthy), coming through when it matters most.

Williams is a potential future Hall-of-Fame inductee that has been there and done that with multiple organizations, including the Canes. He sealed the 2006 Stanley Cup victory with the empty-net tally that put away the Oilers in Game 7.

However, the overall timing of this setback really hurts. Entering the matchup with the Flames, Aho had a three-game goal streak, and four points over that same span of time. His ability to create, skate, score, and facilitate will be missed above all.

Every Canes fan out there surely wishes Aho a speedy recovery and a strong return to the lineup that powers the team to the playoffs for the first time since he was 11 years old. His contributions are a primary factor as to why the Canes are well within striking distance of a wildcard spot.

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