Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Keys to Beating Washington

The Carolina Hurricanes enter tonight’s game with the playoffs on their mind. After beating the team directly behind them in the standings two days ago and winning four of five on the homestand, the Hurricanes are in a good enviable position. Beating the division leading Washington on the first leg of away and home series, will be a step in the right direction to seal that elusive playoff appearance.

Although most analytics people give the Carolina Hurricanes a greater than 95 percent chance to make the playoffs, the Hurricanes still need nine points out of the remaining fourteen to clinch, less if Montreal and/or Columbus lose any games. In other words, this thing isn’t over yet. If the Canes stumble twice against Washington this week, we could be looking at being the second wild card, and only one point above Columbus.

However, as quickly as things could go the wrong direction, they could just as quickly go the right direction. If the Hurricanes were to beat Washington twice, we would find ourselves one point behind them with games in hand. Pittsburgh and the Islanders have been playing well lately, so we don’t know exactly where that would put us in the standings, but it would give us a good chance at a top three position. It goes without saying how important these games are.

1. Start on Time

This is what Bill Peters supposedly used to say to the team to motivate them to come out of the gate hot. It evidently didn’t always work as the teams he coached weren’t always that good. But I think this is good advice as it stands right now.

The Hurricanes have struggled to score the opening goal the last couple of weeks. They have been able to battle back, Buffalo, Montreal, and Tampa for a little while come to mind, but when you score first, it makes everything easier.

I think the team has been focused and energized to begin games, it just hasn’t materialized into goals. For example, in the game on Sunday against Montreal, the Hurricanes had a couple of beautiful chances to begin the game. I was listening on the radio but the voice of John Forslund told me Jordan Staal, among others, was very close to lighting the lamp early on in the game. Then, Curtis McElhinney made a couple a quick saves immediately after those chances. Everyone looked ready to play (including Carey Price).

If the Hurricanes can figure out a way to manufacture the first goal tonight, it will go a long way to solidifying the victory. The Capitals do not struggle to score goals. They currently sit fifth in the NHL in terms of goals scored. Thus, defensively, and in the cage, the Hurricanes will also have to start on time.