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.