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Carolina Hurricanes 2019-2020 Season Primer

By Jeb Bohn

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) celebrates with teammates during an NHL Preseason game between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes on September 29, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) celebrates with teammates during an NHL Preseason game between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes on September 29, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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defenseman Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes
RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 27: Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) falls as he and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) attempt to play the loose puck during an NHL Pre-Season game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Nashville Predators on September 27, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Outlook

2018-19:

221 goals against; 2.7 per game; 7th in NHL

PK: 195/239; 81.59%; 8th in NHL

The addition of Edmundson to Slavin and Pesce gives the Hurricanes a solid trio of defensively responsible blueliners, offset by the offensive flair of Hamilton and Gardiner.  If Fleury, McKeown, and van Riemsdyk (upon his return) can play solid games and minimize mistakes, Carolina should be in good shape defensively.

The Hurricanes finished in the top third of the league in goals against and penalty killing, two areas that must remain up to snuff if the offense misfires.  Where Carolina’s forwards need to drive the play, the defensemen must continue to frustrate the opposition and refuse to yield when facing counterattacks.

The tight defensive system that Brind’Amour has in place won’t call for either goaltender to be spectacular, and that’s not a knock.  Yes, they will occasionally be tasked with making highlight-reel saves but, more often than not, they’ll simply have to read the play, anticipate, and react.  I don’t expect any huge steps forward but I don’t believe there will be any regression.

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