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.
2. No Stupid Penalties
I discussed this in the recap I wrote after the loss to Tampa Bay. The Hurricanes played a sloppy third period in particular (though the refs didn’t help) and it cost them. The Washington power play is currently tenth in the league, Tampa Bay’s is first and is really really good, but tenth is good enough to score some goals. Particularly, when you Alex Ovechkin on your team, the power play is something you look forward to.
It is well documented how great of a job Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney have done in their first years in Carolina, but they need some help when we’re done a man, obviously. They didn’t get that against Tampa. In the first period, Steven Stamkos was able to float away from the play undetected for an easy one-timer. It Kind of looked like an Ovechkin power play goal a little bit.
If the Carolina Hurricanes are serious about making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, and I don’t think anyone would say they aren’t, they need to continue to play disciplined hockey against teams with above average power plays. Especially so when their own power play is so horrific. On Sunday, they were booed during their third period power play. They overcame those lost two minutes to score late in the third, eventually winning it in overtime. But we can’t rely on late game heroics to bail us out every night. See infra.
3. Take Advantage of a Huge Opportunity
As I mentioned at the top, these two games have huge implications. Hopefully, when I am writing the keys to the Washington game on Thursday I am in a good mood, but we’ll see.
What I do know is that winning tonight would be huge. Not only will we at worst keep pace with the Islanders or keep our distance with Montreal or Columbus, but it’s really a four point game because of the opponent. Not only would a win add two points to our standings, but it would take away two from Washington, obviously.
It is tough for me to focus on playoff position because I am so desperate to make it into the playoffs at all. But the line between out, playing the Lightning, playing the Metro winner, and hosting the first round, is insanely thin. A win tonight would do wonders to pushing us toward hosting a series. A loss, and we will be worried about missing. That’s how close things are in the Metro/wild card race.
Prediction:
Regardless of the outcome tonight, it sure is great to see meaningful hockey in late March. Especially since this game will be broadcast on NBCSN with John Forslund serenading the Hockey world with his smooth voice. Those who tune in on radio will find Tripp Tracey along with Mike Maniscalco, who will be calling his first game, so be sure to give him a tune in as well.
Question for CC Readers: How far up the standings do you think the Carolina Hurricanes can climb?