Hurricanes Shoot Down Blackhawks, Extend Streak to Four

Solid Goaltending

For many years, the Hurricanes struggled to have any sort of consistent goaltending. This was one of the many reasons the playoff drought lasted as long as it did. But with Petr Mrazek in the net, the Canes have finally found someone who can hold the fort down and be consistent in the crease. Tonight was no exception to that fact.

I mentioned in my three keys that if Mrazek was the starter, this was his chance to prove he can perform on the road as well. And to say the least, he definitely did. After being so successful at home, it was important for Mrazek to find some consistency on the road, and tonight was a big step forward in that sense.

Mrazek stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced. For the longest time, it looked like he was well on his way to a shutout. Once Carolina started playing sloppy, Chicago pounced on that opportunity and got two passed Mrazek. But besides that roughly two-minute sequence, he was perfect, making timely stops and keeping Carolina in the game when they needed him most.

Robin Lehner played very well himself. His defense left him hanging out to dry on a few of the goals scored tonight, but he continues to show just how good of a goaltender he truly is. He gave his team every chance to win the game, and that’s really all you can ask for out of your goaltender.

Svechnikov Stays Hot

Andrei Svechnikov came into the season looking to improve upon what was a pretty good rookie campaign. After posting 20 goals and 17 assists last season, one could assume that he would easily surpass those numbers this season. A quick look at his stats will show he is having a fantastic start to the season.

In the 21 games Svechnikov has played in so far, he has 10 goals and 13 assists, good for 23 points. His goal scoring ability continues to amaze everyone that watches this kid play. He has a lethal shot, and has shown he can score from just about any angle in the offensive zone.

Against the Blackhawks, he continued to show just how good he truly is. After receiving a pass, he carried the puck into the offensive zone, and with two Blackhawks’ players surrounding him, he whips a shot top-shelf on Robin Lehner, who had no chance to stop that puck. He can be very deceptive with the puck, and a play like that just shows how dangerous he can be.

With Svechnikov’s current run, who knows when he’ll cool off. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, he does something else to amaze you. It is so special to watch Svechnikov grow and mold into that star player he was drafted to be, and I think I speak for all Hurricanes fans when I say I can’t wait to see how high he’ll go.

Niederreiter Breaking Out of His Slump

When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Nino Niederreiter from the Minnesota Wild last year, he immediately fit right in with the club. In the 36 games he would play for the Hurricanes, he posted 14 goals and 16 assists. He was exactly the offensive piece the Hurricanes needed and helped Carolina clinch their first playoff berth since 2009.

So far this season, Niederreiter hasn’t had the best of luck. There have been countless times where he would have a great chance, but either fan on a shot or just get robbed by the opposing goaltender. On many occasions, you could see the frustrating in his face.

More from Cardiac Cane

• 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
• Week Two Coverage Of College Hockey In NC
• Derek Stepan Ends His On Ice Career As A Hurricane
• The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
• Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes

Things have looked promising for Niederreiter here recently. He has at least a point in three of his last four games. He is a player Carolina needs to produce, especially because he’s proven he can do just that. He’s stuck with his game and is finally getting the bounces that he really deserves.

In the game against the Blackhawks, Niederreiter had a big night. As I mentioned earlier, he set up Necas with a good pass to open the scoring for the Hurricanes on a 2-on-0. Later in the game, he would score a beautiful backhand goal on a partial breakaway that would put Carolina up 3-0 in the 2nd period.

While Niederreiter isn’t producing at the same rate as when Carolina first acquired him, it seems he’s finally breaking out of that early season slump. He had a big night tonight for the Hurricanes, and was a big reason why Carolina walked away with two points.

Next Game: vs Philadelphia Flyers on November 21