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Carolina Hurricanes: Forecasting the Month of January

By Luke Schull

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores an empty net goal and celebrates with teammates Lucas Wallmark #71 and Warren Foegele #13 during an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on December 31, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores an empty net goal and celebrates with teammates Lucas Wallmark #71 and Warren Foegele #13 during an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on December 31, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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After a successful December, the Carolina Hurricanes will look to carry that momentum into January beginning tonight. It’s time, once again, for a monthly look ahead!

December Recap

I’ll admit I was nervous staring December in the face, but the Carolina Hurricanes reminded us why they made it Eastern Conference Final last season. They outperformed my expectations of a 6-6-1 record, and finished 8-4-1 for the month.

Last month, the Carolina Hurricanes made good on a tough road trip by earning 9 of a possible 10 points. The only blemish last month was a 3-game losing streak in which they dropped games to  the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers.

If you’ve read my look-ahead pieces before, you’ll remember I make predictions each month.

I predicted that Dougie Hamilton would score five goals in December. I didn’t get this one right, but he did tuck away three goals. In addition, he rightfully earned his first NHL All Star appearance. But, more on that later.

My second prediction was that James Reimer would win three games. He did, but I’m only giving myself half credit here since I tweeted that he would extend his win streak early on. His three wins were quality, for they came against Edmonton, Calgary, and Colorado.

Finally, my proudest prediction, Nino Niederreiter would have 10 points in December and up his season pace to .5 points per game. I’m a wizard, I tell you what. Niederreiter had exactly 10 points, and he looked great in December. Here’s to hoping he, like the rest of the team, keeps it going in January.

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