Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from Shutout Loss to Boston Bruins

The Carolina Hurricanes were shutout by the Boston Bruins last night, 2-0. Here is how the Canes stacked up to the three keys I mentioned before last night’s matchup.

Last night’s game was frustrating, to say the least. As I mentioned in my three keys article from yesterday, matchups between the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes typically end up being physical, old-time hockey style games. Last night was no exception.

The Carolina Hurricanes managed to keep up with and, at times, even seemingly gain momentum over the Boston Bruins for the first 55 minutes or so of the game. It wasn’t until the last 5 minutes of the game that the Carolina Hurricanes would allow two goals, both deflections from Boston’s forwards camped out in James Reimer‘s crease.

Speaking of James Reimer, his performance last night was yet another incredibly solid showing. The one bright spot of the game, Reimer stopped 32 of 34 shots he faced. My advice to the Carolina Hurricanes would be to keep starting him.

As far as the three keys are concerned, the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t meet a single one of them consistently. The Canes took two penalties in the first period alone, both goals against were 100% on the defensive corps, and they ended up faltering in the last five minutes of the game, and were unable to respond in turn. Let’s take a bit more of an in-depth look.

1. Did the Canes Stay Out of the Penalty Box?

Short answer? Yes, after taking two in the first period.. Long answer? Let’s talk about it.

The Carolina Hurricanes may have taken two penalties in the first period, but played an incredibly disciplined game from then on, despite the Bruins showcasing their usual antics, and the refs missing more than a few calls in favor of the Canes.

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Both penalties taken by the Carolina Hurricanes were killed by the Bruins’ penalty killers, and the same can be said for the two penalties the Bruins took in the first.

Last season, special teams seemed to be a huge issue. This season, that issue has been resolved, for the most part. Instead, injuries and lack of response have been massive influences on more than a few games.

Special teams wasn’t a huge influence on last night’s game, which was incredibly surprising (at least to me). If only most games were like that. On to the Carolina Hurricanes’ lack of solid defense when it really mattered.

3. Did the Canes Play a Full 60 Minutes?

Almost. They, for the most part, played a solid 55 or 56 minutes. After that, things fell apart and the Carolina Hurricanes were unable to battle back and stop the bleeding.

There were a few Hurricanes who I felt had solid games last night, but I’d say the only Cane to play a full 60 minutes last night was James Reimer.

Reimer stopped 32 of 34 shots on goal, and the two that got past him weren’t entirely his fault.

The silver lining of this game, if there is one to be found, is that James Reimer is finally playing up to his potential, and is proving to be a huge contender for a starting spot over Petr Mrazek if he can keep his current level of play up.

Now if only we could get the rest of the underperformers to follow suit.

I know last night’s matchup was frustrating. Games against the Bruins almost always are. That being said, getting shutout in two of your last three games is absolutely unacceptable for a team that is as talented and deep as the Carolina Hurricanes are.

I’d say we could/should expect to see some moves soon in order to right the ship, but if I’m to learn anything from the Canes’ continued stubbornness in playing 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, I’d imagine we’ll continue to see the status quo. I really hope they prove me wrong.

Question for CC Readers: What moves do you think the Carolina Hurricanes should make, if any?