Carolina Hurricanes: Three Takeaways from a Crazy Win Over Detroit

3. The Canes Are Like a Brick Wall  in the Third Period

Remember back when the Carolina Hurricanes came from behind to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime? Well one of the biggest things that came out of that game was how well the Hurricanes defense shut down the previous presidents trophy winners. The Lightning only registered two shots for the entire third period and the overtime.

This game’s performance on defense was not quite as spectacular, but it showed just how consistently good this defensive core for the Carolina Hurricanes can be. Lets take this fact into account, the Hurricanes have only given up four goals in the third period all season. Adding on the one OT goal allowed, they have only allowed five goals after the first 40 minutes. Wild.

Not only are the defense and goalies doing a great job at shutting down any offensive attack, they then turn up ice and score on the other end. Dougie Hamilton ended the night with four points on assists. Jaccob Slavin ended the night with three. Both Trevor van Riemsdyk and Jake Gardiner earned themselves a point. That is NINE (!!) points from the Defensive core.

There’s a reason that many hockey pundits around the NHL have called Carolina’s defense the best in the league and it is showing right now. Lets see just how much better it can get when April comes around.

Next Up: New Jersey Devils

Question for the CC Readers: Who is the best defensive pairing in your eyes?