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Carolina Hurricanes: Four Players Who Have Stepped Up Their Game This Season

By Joshua Ryan

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 6: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a goal with teammates Andrei Svechnikov #37 and Dougie Hamilton #19 during an NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 6, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 6: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a goal with teammates Andrei Svechnikov #37 and Dougie Hamilton #19 during an NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 6, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 29: Petr Mrazek #34 of the Carolina Hurricanes gets snowed in the crease during an NHL game against the Calgary Flames on October 29, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 29: Petr Mrazek #34 of the Carolina Hurricanes gets snowed in the crease during an NHL game against the Calgary Flames on October 29, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Petr Mrazek

Petr Mrazek entered the 2018 season as the number one goaltender and he has yet to look back. 30 wins in 49 games is as good as any team could hope for, and far surpassed the expectations that many placed on the 27 year old.

A quick glance at Mrazek’s numbers wouldn’t lead one to surmise a career season, or a season. His goals against and save percentage numbers are basically identical to his previous campaign. The greatest difference between the two seasons is his shutout numbers; Mrazek already boasts two shutouts this year, half of his total he had all last season.

In nine games, the Carolina Hurricanes are 7-1 with Mrazek in net. He has stepped up his game in ways that are clearly visible when you watch him go to work in the crease. He seems more in control, he seems more focuses, and he is still providing Caniacs with the highlight reel worthy saves that he has come to be known for.

In eight seasons, Mrazek has played his best hockey in Carolina. If he can keep up this pace, we could be witnessing the best years of the Magic Man’s career.

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