Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from Home Loss to Anaheim
The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Anaheim Ducks last night in overtime, by a score of 2-1. How did the Canes stack up to our keys to the game?
If I could encapsulate the overall theme for the Carolina Hurricanes’ performance in last night’s game in one word, that word would be ‘oof’.
The Carolina Hurricanes managed to score the first goal for the first time in what feels like forever, but the Anaheim Ducks would keep up with them for the rest of the game.
The loss of Dougie Hamilton was felt all over the ice tonight, but nowhere more so than in the 3v3 overtime period.
The Anaheim Ducks capitalized on an offensive zone turnover by Andrei Svechnikov, and Sam Steel hustled down the ice on a breakaway to seal the Hurricanes’ fate.
The Carolina Hurricanes have now lost three straight, and have only gained one point in the standings since going on their most recent losing streak.
Let’s take a look at how the Carolina Hurricanes stacked up to our keys to the game.
1. Did the Canes’ Superstars Step Up?
One of them did.
Sebastian Aho scored the game’s opening goal, and would take plenty of shots for the rest of the night.
The rest of his shots would either be saved, or miss the net, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
Andrei Svechnikov didn’t light the lamp, and a turnover from Svech in the offensive zone led directly to the Ducks’ game-winning goal.
This is incredibly out of character for the sophomore phenom, and I’m sure he’ll return to form soon, but until then, his slump is costing the team on the scoresheet.
Perhaps moving him to the Aho-Teravainen line will give him the jumpstart he needs to get his scoring back on pace.
2. Did the Canes Score on the Powerplay?
Nope, but they didn’t really have very many opportunities.
The Anaheim Ducks committed two penalties on the Canes last night; one on Rickard Rakell for tripping in the 1st period, and the other on Ryan Getzlaf for slashing in the 3rd period.
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As mentioned before, Dougie Hamilton’s presence was sorely missed tonight, especially on the powerplay.
Jaccob Slavin replaced him on the first unit, and did well, but Slavin just doesn’t have the scoring touch that Dougie brings.
Last night may be the exception to the rule, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Carolina Hurricanes need to start scoring on the man advantage.
3. Did the Canes Generate High-Quality Scoring Chances?
More so than they have been lately, but on the whole, not really. Not when it mattered.
The Carolina Hurricanes have a litany of offensive threats at their disposal. I mentioned it in my keys to last night’s game, but the Canes need to stop making mediocre goalies look like stars.
Don’t get me wrong. Ryan Miller is by no means a ‘bad’ goaltender, but he is far past his prime, and could have easily been beaten last night if the Canes’ offensive talent was firing on all cylinders.
Instead, what we saw were a majority of the shots the Canes put on goal hit Miller in the chest, pads, or blocker.
The Canes have seemingly lost confidence somewhere along the way, and it is showing. Changes are needed on many fronts, but I have confidence that the management and leadership are in the process of making those changes. Otherwise, we’re going to be in for a long latter half of the season.
2. 105. 1. 109. Final/OT
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