Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from Thrilling Shootout Win over Vegas
The Carolina Hurricanes managed to pull out a 6-5 win in Las Vegas in the shootout last night after going down early in the first period. Here’s how the Canes stacked up to my keys to last night’s game.
The Carolina Hurricanes showed an incredible amount of resiliency last night after triumphing over the Vegas Golden Knights in the shootout after going down 2-1 by the end of the 1st period.
James Reimer and Justin Williams came through in the shootout again and pulled the Canes through to a victory.
Let’s be honest, though; the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t show up until the 3rd period, as has been the case for more than a few games this season. This time, however, their 3rd period resurgence was successful, and they managed to force the game into a shootout, which they are still undefeated in.
Last night’s game was incredibly up-and-down, and most of us thought the Canes were done for after letting up 2 incredibly frustrating goals early on. That has been the case for most of this season but hopefully tonight has shown us the beginning of a new trend.
The Canes checked off all of our keys to the game, and they were rewarded with climbing back into a playoff spot. Let’s take a closer look at how the Carolina Hurricanes stacked up to my keys to last night’s game.
1. Did We See First Line Svech?
Oh, yes we did. In a big way.
Rod Brind’amour made the right choice in lining Andrei Svechnikov up with Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen again.
Svech registered an assist on Teuvo’s goal in the 1st period; the Carolina Hurricanes’ first goal of the game.
The sophomore Russian phenom also notched a successful attempt in the shootout, as he beat Marc-Andre Fleury by way of the coveted five-hole.
Alongside Svech, Teuvo and Aho assisted each other on their respective goals as well. This line, as I’ve mentioned countless times, is absolutely lethal.
The ‘S.A.T.’ line continues to produce, and all of us who have been literally begging Roddy to put this line together for months continue to relish every second of it.
2. Were the Canes Successful on the Powerplay?
Yes, more often than not, surprisingly.
The Carolina Hurricanes ultimately had three powerplays last night; one in the 2nd period from a roughing call on Brayden McNabb, a 4-minute double minor against Zach Whitecloud for high-sticking in the 3rd period, and another 2-minute minor against Tomas Nosek for tripping, also in the 3rd period.
Erik Haula and Martin Necas are who to thank for notching goals on two of the Canes’ three man-advantage situations.
The powerplay still looks rusty at times, and is definitely still sorely missing Dougie Hamilton, but it was nice seeing the Carolina Hurricanes score a few times with more guys on the ice.
I also want to point out that Haydn Fleury scored last night. It wasn’t a powerplay goal, but I will ALWAYS stan a Fleury goal, especially one that is scored on a Fleury. What a beauty.
The special teams markers were huge difference-makers in last night’s tilt; makes you wonder what could’ve become of the rest of those 1-goal loss heartbreakers earlier in the season that saw the Canes squander several powerplay opportunities…
3. Did James Reimer Start?
Did he ever. Not only did Reimer start, but hoo, boy did he finish?!
James Reimer, in my opinion, has fully earned the starter’s job for the time being. The man is as clutch as they come, even while playing behind a defense that doesn’t show up until 15 minutes left in regulation.
Reimer kept the Carolina Hurricanes in this game more times than I can count. Sure, the man let 5 goals in, but only a single one was his fault (He misplayed a puck behind the net. Sue him.). He more than made up for it with that absolute dandy of a save in the waning minutes of the overtime period.
Aside from that one little mishap, Reimer stole the show, and a couple of points yet again.
I’ve been saying it since we traded for him; Reimer has a lot left in the tank. We are just beginning to see his true potential. Imagine how he would look if the Carolina Hurricanes’ d-corps showed up to play in front of him within the first 20 minutes of the game?
Optimus Reim would be nearly unstoppable. Hopefully Rod continues to give Reimer the lion’s share of starts, at least until Petr Mrazek rediscovers the fire that kept him in the starter’s crease for so long.
6. 109. 5. 942. Final/OT