Carolina Hurricanes: A Look Ahead At the Month of February

Special Teams

The Carolina Hurricanes special teams units have been… interesting to say the least this season. After starting the first two months of the season with both a top 10 Power Play and Penalty Kill, the Hurricanes have slouched in their special teams department since.

The Canes power play still ranks 9th in the league percentage wise (21.7%) but it’s been hard to notice as of late. The 8 teams above the Canes in the power play department as well as the 10th team below them all have more power play goals then the Canes who only have 34.

If you judge the power play this season by PPG in the NHL the Canes sit at 20th in the league rather than 9th.

It’s nearly the same situation when it comes to the penalty kill too. Although the Canes are currently 6th in the league on the PK if you judge the PK units by goals allowed it drops the Canes down to 13th.

If the Carolina Hurricanes can improve their special teams unit come February and March, it could really play a key factor in slipping back into a playoff spot.

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

Final Thoughts

If the NHL Playoffs started today, sadly the Carolina Hurricanes would not be in them. They currently sit two points out of the second and first wildcard spot in the NHL. If the Hurricanes focus on these main 3 things come the month of February and up into April I don’t see why they wouldn’t be in a playoff spot and maybe even at top 3 in the metro.

It will take some hard work and lots of practice but the good thing is it’s a new month.

Question for CC Readers: What do you think the Canes need to do to make the playoffs come April time?