Carolina Hurricanes: Three Keys to Victory Against the Calgary Flames

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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes Center Sebastian Aho (20) and Carolina Hurricanes Defenceman Jaccob Slavin (74) skate the puck up ice during a game between the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on October 29, 2019. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Stay Hot Special Teams

For many years, the Carolina Hurricanes have typically struggled when it comes to special teams, especially on the power play. While the Hurricanes have had a few good seasons on the penalty kill, the power play was an area that was usually non-existent. This year, that narrative has certainly changed, and Carolina has been lights out on both aspects of the special teams.

As it stands now, the Hurricanes rank 6th in the league when it comes to the power play, converting on 22.8% of their chances. As for the penalty kill, they’re ranked 2nd in the league, killing off 86% of their penalties. This is a rare season where both have clicked on a consistent basis, and this is a great strength to have.

As for Calgary, their power play is currently ranked 16th in the league, converting on 18.3% of their chances. With their penalty kill, they’re ranked 7th in the league, killing off 84.1% of the penalties they’ve taken. Calgary is a streaky team though, taking them lightly would not be smart because of how deadly they’ve been during this hot streak.

Clearly Carolina is favored in both of the categories when it comes to special teams. The Hurricanes need to continue their great run on both fronts. If Carolina can manage to win the special teams battle, they can make securing a victory so much easier. Use your strengths to your advantage, and don’t take your foot off the gas pedal.

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