Carolina Hurricanes: The suddenly hot Lucas Wallmark

Lucas Wallmark has tallied four goals and four assists in his previous six games, after getting 10 points through 33 games for the Hurricanes. What’s gone right?

Lucas Wallmark has always been someone who generates shots seemingly at will for the Carolina Hurricanes. However, he’s never been able to finish quite like this. So today, let’s have a look at what’s going right for the beautiful Swede and look at the possible reasons his scoring run may continue.

For one, he’s been with better linemates. I love Brock McGinn and Jordan Martinook as much as the next Canes fan, but there’s no denying there’s a gap in skill between the two Canadians, and Ryan Dzingel and Martin Necas, who Wallmark was paired with when Erik Haula was injured. So one possible cause is the improvement of his linemates.

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Another possible cause is just sheer mathematics. Wallmark is known for shooting a lot, and the more shots you take, eventually something  has to go in. Mathematics dictates that someone  who takes 1000 shots is going to score more than someone who takes 100 on average. Wallmark generates a lot of scoring chances. Maybe another reason?

Wallmark has also been seeing a lot more ice time on the powerplay. This started in the period of time where Haula was out. He slotted into that second unit, and played well. Seeing more power play time will mean that he’s going to get more chances because of the man advantage, However the Swede has seen a reduction in ice time on the powerplay since Haula returned to the lineup.

Another possible reason for Wallmark suddenly turning into Peter Forsberg could be just development. Haula has been back and it hasn’t dampened his game. He’s looking more composed, and the goal he scored against Washington was just a beauty, going back against the grain on Braden Holtby to score the first goal of the game is just incredible finish from the Swede.

There are a lot of reasons why Lucas Wallmark has suddenly become a trademark goalscorer. It’s obviously a combination of a lot of things, as hockey is a game of mistakes. However, I think I speak for all Caniacs when I say it is very welcome. Hopefully it continues for the rest of his career. Scoring from someone like Wallmark would be greatly appreciated

Question for Cardiac Cane Readers: Do you think Lucas Wallmark should be seeing more ice time as part of his recent scoring success?