Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from Road Loss to Columbus Blue Jackets

The Carolina Hurricanes dropped yet another game in regulation against a Metropolitan Division opponent. Here’s how the Canes stacked up to our keys to the game in the 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Carolina Hurricanes have a .300 win percentage in the Metropolitan Division.

Last night, after shaking up the lines, losing arguably their most effective defenseman, and tying the game up twice, Rod Brind’amour and the Carolina Hurricanes dropped yet another 2 points to a Metropolitan Division opponent.

The Carolina Hurricanes are currently tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers, but still hold the tiebreaker for the 1st wildcard playoff spot.

Last night’s game was a rollercoaster to say the least. After trading goals all game, the Columbus Blue Jackets finally netted the goal that would go on to be the game winner with 1:41 left in regulation.

The Carolina Hurricanes didn’t hit a single one of our keys to the game for yesterday’s matchup. Here’s what happened.

1. Did the Canes Score on the Powerplay?

Nope. I can’t really think of another way to answer this question. They just didn’t.

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

The Carolina Hurricanes have more than a few problems right now, and the lack of powerplay scoring is absolutely one of them.

The Columbus Blue Jackets only took one penalty last night, but the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t convert on it because of course they didn’t.

This needs to change, immediately.

I’m not entirely sure why the Canes aren’t converting on the man advantage. They have plenty of offensive talent, both with forwards and defensemen. The loss of Dougie Hamilton is going to put even more of a damper on the Canes’ powerplay efforts. Hopefully the Canes can manage to rally around Dougie.

3. Did the Canes’ Superstars End Their Drought?

No, but Teuvo Teravainen got an assist off of a Jordan Staal redirection for the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2nd goal of the night last night.

Martin Necas also scored on a beauty of a breakaway, but Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov were largely ineffective.

I am not entirely sure what the cause of the recent drought is, but it is costing the Carolina Hurricanes dearly in the standings and on the scoresheet.

If Aho and Svech were performing to their normal levels last night, that game would’ve been an easy win for the Canes. The fact that they weren’t directly contributed to the game being a disappointing loss.

Now, for the most heartbreaking part of last night’s loss. Dougie Hamilton went down with a leg injury that not only looked painful, but serious. He seemed to tell the ref, and then subsequently the trainer, “I think I broke my leg”, while laying on the ice. He was helped off the ice by head trainer Doug Bennett and Trevor van Riemsdyk.

Only time will tell, but Dougie may be out for a long time. That kind of injury couldn’t have happened to a better person, and I’m sure you all stand with me when I say that I wish Dougie a quick, speedy, and effective recovery, and that we are all rooting for him.