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 was pretty rad pic.twitter.com/3kWgB4PCps
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) January 12, 2020
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.