Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from OT Loss in Vancouver
The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Vancouver Canucks last night in overtime by a score of 1-0. Here’s how they stacked up to our three keys to the game.
Last night’s game was frustrating, to say the least. The Carolina Hurricanes walked away with a point in the standings, but you can’t help but feel like they were robbed of a win last night. More on that later.
The Vancouver Canucks were blessed with absolutely phenomenal goaltending (and some shoddy refereeing) last night from Jacob Markstrom. The 29 year-old goalkeeper stopped all (read: most) 43 shots to earn a shutout win in overtime against the Canes.
Aside from the disallowed goal (which absolutely should’ve been a goal), Markstrom stood on his head and kept the Carolina Hurricanes off the scoresheet. Markstrom was on fire last night, stopping multiple breakaways, 2-on-1 chances; everything the Canes threw at him, he was on top of.
Petr Mrazek played very similarly for the Carolina Hurricanes, despite facing a much lower number of shots; Mrazek found himself alone on more than one occasion, and stopped all of those chances in regulation time.
Aside from the goalie battle that last night’s game ended up being, did the Carolina Hurricanes live up to any of our three keys to the game from yesterday? Let’s find out.
1. Did the Canes Keep Up Offensive Pressure for a Full 60 Minutes?
Once they got the offensive pressure going maybe 25% of the way through the first period, absolutely.
The only problem is that Jacob Markstrom was in goal, and had an incredible night. Every single one of Carolina’s 43 shots on goal (minus the wrongfully disallowed goal), he stopped.
Now, about that disallowed goal. The Carolina Hurricanes were on the man advantage via a delayed penalty. Sebastian Aho shot the puck, and the refs blew the whistle as it crossed the line. Possession was not gained by Vancouver, despite a Canuck player ‘grazing’ the puck just before it crossed the goal line.
Jordan Staal said the refs apologized for the Sebastian Aho no goal and it should’ve been a goal
— Sara Civ (@SaraCivian) December 13, 2019
According to the (very green) referee, the whistle should never have been blown, and the goal should’ve counted; this wasn’t admitted until after the game, when it really didn’t matter anymore.
Saltiness aside, Markstrom still played a tremendous game despite the Carolina Hurricanes absolutely pouring on the offensive pressure nearly all night. Now, to focus on the powerplay. Or lack thereof.
2. Did the Canes Capitalize on the Powerplay?
Nope. The Canes didn’t capitalize on any of the three powerplay chances they had.
Can Jacob Markstrom just chill for a second?
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) December 13, 2019
Neither did the Vancouver Canucks, but that’s neither here nor there.
The Carolina Hurricanes had many a moment, both man up and during even strength, in which they seemed incredibly close to scoring.
Brace yourself... we've got an AGGRESSIVE GOALIE. pic.twitter.com/V0QpCGyqEX
— NHL (@NHL) December 13, 2019
They just didn’t have the offensive firepower to beat Markstrom when it really counted. Next question, please.
3. Did the Canes Get Stellar Play from Mrazek?
Absolutely, they did. Petr Mrazek had an incredible game last night. He stopped 25 of 26 shots, and only let up the one goal in overtime, that ended up bouncing off of Jaccob Slavin‘s loose stick right in front of the crease, right to Elias Pettersson, who backhanded it just above Mrazek’s left shoulder.
Petr Mrazek, despite only facing 26 shots all night, was a huge reason why the game remained scoreless until the overtime period; in no way, shape, or form was this loss anywhere near his fault.
https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1205343604291653638
Mrazek made more than a few breakaway stops, and plenty of stops on 2-on-1 chances headed into his own zone.
109. 1. 104. Final/OT. 0
A combination of bad refereeing, a rogue stick, and a hot goaltender ultimately spelled doom for the Carolina Hurricanes last night. They did get a point in the standings for their troubles, but last night’s matchup will seemingly be a tough one to swallow and get past.
Trending. What's Going On With Justin Williams?. light
Question for CC Readers: What should the Carolina Hurricanes do to right the ship and beat the Calgary Flames on Saturday?