Carolina Hurricanes: Forecasting the Month of March
By Luke Schull
Canes to Watch
Brock McGinn – With 15 points (7 g 8 a) in 64 games this season, McGinn is probably far from the impact player you were expecting to see first on this month’s list. Statistically, I don’t have anything eye-popping to appeal to either.
I’m going with my gut here because more often than not, gut feelings are right. It feels like McGinn’s time of year where he’ll explode out of nowhere and be responsible for winning two games on his own. His effort and desperation in all situations will be crucial this month. Don’t be surprised if he manages 3 goals this month. I could see it.
Haydn Fleury – Have you ever seen a guy play himself from fringe healthy scratch into top-4 regular so quickly? Fleury has been lights out in recent weeks, and it’s great to see. He capitalized on a point shot in Montreal, and we need him taking that shot more frequently. He can rip a wrist shot like the best defensemen.
He’s also finally playing with some snarl and to his full frame. In addition, he logged 27 shifts and 21:14 TOI in Montreal. Both were season highs. It’s probably time to get #signfleury trending.
Vincent Trocheck – The Carolina Hurricanes have a right-handed center in the 2-hole. I repeat, the Carolina Hurricanes have a right-handed center in the 2-hole. He hasn’t found the scoresheet with Carolina yet, but Trocheck has looked mighty dangerous in his three games. I’m willing to forgive his penalties since they were the result of effort and trying to make a play. He’s winning 58.6% of his face-offs and his CF% at even strength has risen from 53.0% to 56.7% since joining the Canes.
He’s had numerous high-danger chances, so it’s only a matter of time before he gets the first one to go. I expect him to make a difference sooner rather than later.