Carolina Hurricanes Suffer Second Straight Loss to Ducks

Despite a first NHL goal last night, The Carolina Hurricanes pack up and leave Anaheim injured, tired, and with more questions than answers.

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The Carolina Hurricanes took way too long to get their legs going in Anaheim on Friday night, and they played their least inspired hockey of the young season. The Ducks were led by their hottest scorers coming into the game; Adam Henrique, Rickard Rakell, and Jakob Silfverberg.

To put it bluntly, the Hurricanes were simply outclassed by the Ducks’ speed and transition game. The stretch pass was working wonders for Anaheim, and it set up numerous grade-A scoring chances. The Ducks’ superior neutral zone play set up their first tally as well as a shorthanded marker in the second period.

The Carolina Hurricanes didn’t wake up until about halfway through the game. There are still important notes to take from the third leg of the western road swing.

Fleury Scores First NHL Goal

Well, it took him until his 96th NHL contest, but he finally did it. Haydn Fleury scored his first NHL goal. It was actually quite the unassisted play, too.

The Ducks were attempting to clear the zone, but Fleury had a great keep at the line. He played the puck to himself, took a few strides to the top of the left face-off dot, and let his slap shot fly. The Ducks’ goalie, Ryan Miller, was undoubtedly screened on the play.

He played it off with a humble celebration like he had scored hundreds of NHL goals. But, he definitely cracked a smile on his way by the bench. It was a nice bright spot on an otherwise dull evening.

Erik Haula Leaves with Upper Body Injury

Carolina Hurricanes center, Erik Haula, departed Friday night’s game with an apparent upper body injury after taking a hit while in on the forecheck. Anaheim Ducks’ defenseman, Josh Manson, delivered said hit after Haula chipped the puck along the end boards.

Manson’s hit had enough force to create a whiplash effect, and Haula banged his head on the glass. The hit appeared clean, and no penalty was assessed on the play. It looked to be delivered through Haula’s body, and the principle point of contact was the shoulder. Though it was clean, it still warranted a fight. Joel Edmundson challenged Manson on Haula’s behalf.

The unfortunate part about Haula’s injury is that he was one of the few forwards consistently contributing on offense in the early going. The hope is that Haula won’t be sidelined for too long. But, you can never be too careful.