The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t beat the Garden curse on Wednesday, but are going to have to rely on the Defense to get the win tonight.
Well the Canes fell short again on Wednesday. Although a promising take from the game is that after falling 0-3 in the first, the Canes didn’t lay down but fought to the wire. Yes we should be past the moral victories with the talent and skill we have but any way to trend upward is always a good sign, especially in Madison Square Garden.
Now how do the Canes change the game and not have to come from behind? Simple: Score first and early, and play tight defense. Coach Brind’Amour probably highlighted this yesterday, while carving the turkey and yelling at Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen to stop goofing off and set the table.
In order to both score early and play tight defense, the blue liners have to step up today to protect the net with finding the back of the Preds net.
DISCLAIMER: The focus on this article is which Canes defensemen will step up and help get the team get the win and your fantasy team score points. Just because Andrei Svechnikov is not one of today’s picks does not mean don’t start him. If Svechnikov scores tonight, he will tie Ron Francis’ 10 game point streak as the most in Canes/Whalers history.
Let’s note first that Dougie has the highest +/- on the team with +15 on the season. Good things happen with Hamilton on the ice. And he is responsible for 10 goals and 16 assists totaling 26 offensive points on the season.
As long as Hamilton can stay aggressive on the forecheck and minimize silly passes, good things will come tonight. Hamilton is a clear leader on this defense and you know what they say, a Dougie Hamilton defensive stop somehow leads to a Dougie Hamilton goal.
As long as Hamilton stays tight on defense and makes sure that everyone else is, the offense will come. A reward of 6 points tonight from Hamilton, book it.
But Will, Slavin only has 3 points in 5 games right now! Yes precisely. It’s time for another hot streak from the alternate captain. Trust the process. Slavin still has the fourth most assists on the team and second most from a blue liner on the Canes.
Even more so than Hamilton, Slavin is the most sound defensive player on the Canes and possibly in the NHL. Good, no great defense will cause great offense!
Just picture it, A forecheck and smart pass from Slavin to Hamilton, another pass to Svechnikov who scores. Already there is 7 fantasy points for those who listen.
Slavin will go to work tonight, 4 fantasy points, book it.
Pesce is a silent killer. Solid defensive positioning, goal saving sticks, then you look up and bam! 4 points in 7 games!
Self proclaimed hardest shot in the NHL, has been on a tear recently, and he will keep it up. Pesce is never the most flashy player but he does all of the right things. Very hockey smart, Pesce makes few mistakes.
Once again, great defense translates in to great offense. While Pesce wasn’t offensively involved in the first half of the season, he has been hot as of late. With a focus on defense coming up for the Canes, these three guys are THE guys to make the stops. When the stops happen, the goals will fall. More than likely these guys will have some part in the goal as well.
The Canes defense will get things going tonight. Take the advice, 12 points BOOK IT.
Carolina Hurricanes betting odds and lines.
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- The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
- Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes
Let’s Get Statistical
Record: 15-9-1
On the road: 7-5-1
At home: 8-4-0
Against the West: 8-2-0
Against current .500 or better teams: 7-4-0
Against current .499 or worse teams: 8-5-1
Courtesy of The Action Network the Canes are currently -130 on the money line, compared to -133 when it opened. The Canes are coming off of a loss but have been dominate against the West, and UNDEFEATED with Maniscalco by their side against the West.
The Canes have the under on this game at +100 on 6.5, and are +180 on the -1.5 spread.
Maniscalco will be in the building, the Canes are at home against a Western team, 4-1 Canes win.
Get right for tonight folks.