The Carolina Hurricanes Need to Capitalize (Pun Intended) on Washington’s Shortcomings.
As seen in the two team’s last four outings, the Washington Capitals have problems when on the defense. It translates into a strong forecheck and dogged backcheck. The more pressure that the Carolina Hurricanes can place on Washington, the better. Turnovers, takeaways, and good old fashioned putting bodies into the glass.
By keeping the Capitals on their toes, Carolina won’t face nearly the shot volume they traditionally do. In the two games this season, Washington has averaged thirty-two shots per game, while not an overwhelming amount, it has translated to six goals-against. Both Petr Mrazek and James Reimer in the first half of the season have had wild up-and-down games, and large shot volumes on a down night can translate to multiple goals against.
It also lowers the risk of injuries from shots blocked by Carolina’s A-plus defensive corps. As mentioned in the last slide, Alex Ovechkin can put some serious power behind a six-ounce piece of rubber (348.83 [rounded to nearest hundredth] Joules of kinetic energy). The Hurricanes Top Four defense pairings combine for a total of two-hundred, and forty-two blocked shots in forty games, so injury by puck is less a question of if, but when.
By controlling the puck, the Hurricanes will keep the Capitals from playing to their special teams’ strengths, which accounted for two of the four goals a week ago. At even-strength, the Capitals have been readily outplayed by the Canes and is a must for Carolina to take the win against Washington to start the new year.