Carolina Hurricanes: Three Takeaways from Game Two

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28:Curtis McElhinney #35 and Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate their 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on April 28, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28:Curtis McElhinney #35 and Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate their 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on April 28, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Warren Foegele #13 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on April 28, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hurricanes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Warren Foegele #13 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Islanders in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on April 28, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hurricanes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Offense Has to get going

The Hurricanes have scored three total goals in a very defensive series that is also showcasing some stellar goaltending play on both sides. Vezina trophy finalist Robin Lehner has been as advertised combined with the conservative and very meticulous play of the Islanders, the Canes are having some trouble opening up the game offensively.

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Obviously, it has worked out in favor of the Hurricanes as they have been able to stay patient . But, for anybody that has been watching, it is obvious that the Canes have to find a way to break through and get some scoring going.

They just might get a boost in this aspect of the game as there is much speculation that it is likely Jordan Martinook will be back AND the long-awaited return of rookie sensation Andrei Svechnikov may also be likely.

I like to think if this is the case, the team will rally around the return these two (and the incredible energy in PNC) and really get back to their relentless fore-check and start to find some more twine. That will put more pressure on the Isle.

Already down 2-0 with having scored only one goal, I would look for the Islanders to try to play a different style of hockey for the remaining series.

This may open up some chances for the Hurricanes that were previously not presented. If the Canes are able to get their offense rolling again while continuing to get impeccable goaltending and defensive play, the sky is the limit.

In the meantime, let’s hope for speedy recoveries for all of the players that have these injuries going on. The ‘next man up’ attitude will continue to be relevant and I have no reason to believe the Canes will stop answering the call. Speedy recoveries to all and GO Canes!

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