Carolina Hurricanes: Three Players to Ensure Victory Over the Rangers

1. Dougie Hamilton

The Carolina Hurricanes are more than ready for the return of this defender

Dougie Hamilton will be ready to play when hockey action resumes and that is good news for the Hurricanes. Hamilton was having a career year in many aspects of his game before his injury that was going to keep him most likely out for the rest of the season. But with the league on hiatus, the Hurricanes will get their all-star defenseman back.

The depth the Hurricanes have at defense now is insane and that’s even with Brett Pesce still up in the air. But Hamilton will be the most important defenseman for this series. The Hurricanes have well-documented struggles against the Rangers and Hamilton and his offensive production could help that.

Hamilton adds a dynamic option to the Hurricanes, especially with his ability on the power play. You saw the power play falter when Hamilton was not available during the regular season. His presence alone on the power play opens up opportunities for everyone else. And you saw when the Hurricanes struggled on special teams last postseason, it eventually hurt them against the Boston Bruins.

He also adds a lot to the defensive side of the ice. This has easily been the thing I’ve been most impressed about when it came to Hamilton during the regular season. And once again, you saw his absence affect the team constantly.

The Hurricanes could not find a pairing to work while he was injured. Now with Hamilton and Jaccob Slavin back as the number one defensive pair, the Hurricanes have one of the most elite first pairings in the entire playoffs.

2. Sebastian Aho

The Carolina Hurricanes star forward will be the offensive crux.

This may seem like an obvious one because it is. Sebastian Aho is the best player on the Carolina Hurricanes and in the playoffs, you want your best players to be your best players. And in 16 career games against the Rangers, Aho only has nine points (six goals and three assists). He also has the worst plus/minus against the Rangers than any other opponent.

It is safe to say he doesn’t have a good history against the Rangers. That needs to change. We need to see a locked in Sebastian Aho. And Aho can have a leg up on players in terms of pure talent when rust can become a factor due to the extended period of time missed.

Exhibition games can only do so much to knock the rust off especially when you are going right into fighting for the playoffs. Aho and other top players will be relied upon heavily in this series.

If Aho is going, that means players like Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov are also going. Hopefully, they are on a line to start because I feel that it would be advantageous to get the most out of Aho. This line has proven to be one of the best in the league because the chemistry the three of them have isn’t seen by many lines in the NHL. Aho would most definitely benefit from being on the SAT line yet again.

Another thing is to get Aho hot right off the bat would be beneficial for the Hurricanes. To have one of your best players ready to play and playing at a high level is needed for a deep playoff run.

3. Petr Mrazek

Can the Carolina Hurricanes goalie keep the team in it?

Do you know what else is needed for a deep playoff run? A hot goaltender. And in Petr Mrazek’s case, he is a goaltender that can get on a hot streak and become unstoppable. We have seen this from him in the past, where he would look like one of the best goalies in the NHL at times. But what hurts is when Mrazek is not on his game.

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As well as James Reimer has played for the Hurricanes in his tenure in Carolina, I believe Mrazek is the number one option for the playoffs. I have had my share of frustration with Mrazek this season, but I feel he is better suited to lead the Hurricanes further.

Mrazek’s more aggressive style of play can be more of a help to start. Mrazek can create energy, even if there is no crowd, just because of how passionate he is. You see when he is really on, he gets fired up and that is the type of leadership the Hurricanes need. He is a leader in terms of how people feed off him, sort of like Jordan Martinook. It is something that can inspire the players on the ice.

And just like how I mentioned rust before, a goaltender playing well can help offset some offensive struggles early on. Yes, a goaltender can have rust as well, but I feel like it is easier to shake off especially if you get tested early.

Question for CC Readers: Which player do you think will be the most important piece for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Rangers?