Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Takeaways From Shutout Win vs Kings

1. James Reimer’s Masterful Performance

James Reimer’s performance was the story of the game. He is the sole reason why the Hurricanes were able to walk out of this game with a victory. And boy did Reimer need this game to help boost his confidence moving forward because things haven’t looked great for him in his last three appearances.

In this contest, Reimer had a 41 save shutout where he was needed pretty much since the second period on. He had a big save right before the first intermission to help keep the game at 1-0. Austin Wagner had a shot to build momentum for the Kings going into the locker room, but Reimer was having none of it.

Reimer didn’t just stop there in terms of big saves. A board battle eventually won by the Kings found the puck going to Alec Martinez at the point. There he found Adrian Kempe all alone out in front where Reimer was able to shut down the chance. The second period is when the Kings really started to ramp up pressure on the Hurricanes, but that didn’t stop a struggling Reimer from denying everything thrown his was.

His most impressive save of the night came in the third period in an empty net situation. A puck was shot from Drew Doughty and deflected in on Reimer by Alex Iafallo and Reimer was able to close the pads on the chance. He appeared hurt on this save but was able to continue for the final seconds of the game. He stood on his head tonight and the Hurricanes really needed that tonight.

And just as much as the Hurricanes needed the efforts of Reimer tonight, he needed a game like this for himself. As mentioned before, Reimer had not looked good at all lately even in a win against the Flyers. He was coming into the Kings games stopping 40 of 52 shots in his previous three appearances.

https://twitter.com/CanesOnFSCR/status/1216154814415101952

People were questioning, including myself, if the Hurricanes needed to make a change to their goalie tandem. But the way Reimer and Petr Mrazek played the last two games gives the fans hope that good things are coming. Let’s hope this game is a starting point to a turnaround in net. The Reimer chants at the end of the game were spectacular by the way.

2. Quick Start and a Much-Needed Goal

I mentioned in my game keys that the Hurricanes needed a quick start to the game and get on the board first. They did exactly that. They jumped on the Kings early with a first period that was dominated with pressure from the Hurricanes. And they got a goal by someone who needed it desperately.

That player is Nino Niederreiter. He has been frustrated about not being able to put the puck in the net and his frustration was on full display Friday against the Coyotes. After a few high-quality chances, Niederreiter finally snapped and broke his stick against the boards and was visibly frustrated.

The goal last night could go very far in helping his game going forward. If he gets going while on a line with Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen, the Hurricanes can have an absolutely dangerous top six.

The first goal the Hurricanes scored was about five minutes into the game and that is all the Hurricanes needed. They were able to ride a strong first period to earn their second shutout win against the Kings. Even though the Hurricanes were fighting off a Kings attack for most of the second and third period, all they needed was this quick start to get ahead.

This made the Carolina Hurricanes improve their record to when they score the first goal in a game to 20-3-0. When the Hurricanes score first it always makes the team play harder and better. The last two games show that. The goalie gains confidence and improves the overall morale of the team.

3. The Troubling Penalty Trend Reversing?

If it weren’t for James Reimer and his outstanding performance, this would be the most important takeaway from the game. The Hurricanes have always found themselves taking penalties that they don’t need to take. Something as simple as skating and not having to reach with your stick or losing your cool during the game to take a penalty. That didn’t happen last night.

The Hurricanes only took two penalties the entire game, which has been becoming a trend in recent games. The Hurricanes have had the problem recently where they lost the discipline they used to have. They used to pride themselves in not taking penalties and playing sound hockey. The Hurricanes seem to be taking a turn in this department and last nights game is just another example of that.

https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1216193383670145024

More from Cardiac Cane

• 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
• Week Two Coverage Of College Hockey In NC
• Derek Stepan Ends His On Ice Career As A Hurricane
• The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
• Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes

And on the only two penalties the Hurricanes took last night, the penalty kill was able to shut down any Kings chances on their power play. When the penalties piled up for the Hurricanes the penalty kill suffered. They weren’t as effective as they had to kill off s many penalties over the course of the game.

But this is a great trend for the Carolina Hurricanes. The lesser amount of penalties the team takes, then the more effective a penalty kill can be. It is also very important to be disciplined in key games down the stretch as the Hurricanes will be fighting for playoff positioning.

Question for CC Readers: How do you feel about the Hurricanes situation in net after last nights win?