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Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Keys to Break Losing Streak vs. Senators

By Tony Trotmann

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Nino Niederreiter (21) sets up between Ottawa Senators Goalie Anders Nilsson (31) and Ottawa Senators Defenceman Maxime Lajoie (58) during third period National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on February 12, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Nino Niederreiter (21) sets up between Ottawa Senators Goalie Anders Nilsson (31) and Ottawa Senators Defenceman Maxime Lajoie (58) during third period National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on February 12, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 12: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Nino Niederreiter (21) sets up in front of the Ottawa Senators net during third period National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on February 12, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 12: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Nino Niederreiter (21) sets up in front of the Ottawa Senators net during third period National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on February 12, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Net-Front Presence

Yes. Take out the goalie’s eyes, and no, not gouge Anderson or Nilsson’s eyes out, but block his view. Lundqvist had a confident night against the Hurricanes, because he could see almost all near 50 shots he got. Every save he made, he became even stronger.

Although a high quantity of shots on goal can be great, feeding weak shots to a goalie can make that goalie want to make the highlight reel of the night all about them. Do not allow Nilsson or Anderson to get that fame.

Erik Haula gets to the front of the net, like no other Hurricane has on this team in a long while. With him being out with an injury, it’s evident that the net-front presence is not the same as when he was here. The powerplay lines had to be mixed up and the roles have to change.

Haula’s injury is a big hit to this team’s powerplay and even-strength net-front. The only imaginable players who can fill this role is Nino Niederreiter and Jordan Staal, who must play this role better.

Staying in one spot and barely adjusting is lazy and allowing defenders to easily cover you. Players who get dirty in front of the goalie must move around, be unpredictable, and make any puck that gets to the slot a nightmare.

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