Carolina Hurricanes Lack Energy and Fall to Boston in Game Three

Consistency in Net

The Carolina H

Petr Mrazek was outstanding in net today, showcasing Rod Brind’Amour‘s rotating goalie strategy.

I don’t think Mrazek deserved the scorn he received from some Cane’s fans after the game one loss. Sure, he was out of position for the overtime goal, but that shouldn’t negate numerous saves that kept the Hurricanes competitive. Today, Mrazek showed once again that he always shows up for big games and anchors the team in the net.

Quite frankly, the Hurricanes did not play the game that was reflected on the scoreboard, but Mrazek showed hustle to each puck. Although like most fans, I question not riding the hot hand in Reimer after an outstanding game-two performance, Mrazek’s performance reminded me of his true skill in the net.

The goal by the Bruins was an unfortunate rebound that I find hard to attribute to Mrazek. Outside of this goal, Mrazek’s rebound control was excellent. I noticed that he consistently swallowed up shots that he may have let go in the past.

I really have to commend Brind’Amour’s trust in both netminders. Although Reimer has been the better netminder on paper and has had some memorable games that make him the fan favorite for the Canes, Mrazek has been solid and showed shades today of his playoff performance last year.

I do believe that what keeps Mrazek from being an elite level goaltender is his rebound control. I believe that his aggressiveness sometimes prevents him from folding up on shots and controlling the puck, and today he checked this tendency and kept the puck under control. With a focus on rebound control like today’s game, I could see Mrazek having an even better playoff run.

Next, let’s discuss the bad and the ugly of today’s contest and how the team can change for game four.

A Total Lack of Aggression

Without desperation, the Carolina Hurricanes looked like an average team today.

What I remember most about the qualifying round series against the New York Rangers is not the Svechnikov hat trick or when James Reimer stood on his head for the game-three victory. What I remember is the aggression and desperation that the Hurricanes harnessed each game. No puck left the offensive zone without a fight, and the blue line was held like a brick wall.

Today, there was hardly a shade of this aggression. Passes were sloppy.  The Hurricanes lost most races to the puck and gave up on far too many offensive opportunities.  The team that dominated the Rangers offensively and defensively did not show up to play today.

Unfortunately, part of this struggle was most apparent in the power play. Games two and three have contained abysmal power plays by the Hurricanes.  The power-play unit struggled to settle the puck enough to gain a comfortable rhythm, and even scoring opportunities are created like during the first power play today there is no rush to recover the puck after shots.

A productive power play is reflective of a team that excels at capitalizing on offensive opportunities while working as a cohesive unit. The Canes power-play unit was not productive today, and left little room for optimism in five versus five hockey.

Above all, the Canes need to work on entering the defensive zone and settling the puck. Once the team was able to do this today, scoring opportunities were ample. An effective power play will continue to be key in this series and will help the Canes turn the momentum in game four.

Finally, let’s examine what elements of today’s game the Hurricanes must build on for game four on Monday.

Where to Go From Here

The Carolina Hurricanes need to figure out their future

Slowing down the play and setting up at the net are the tools the Hurricanes need to win game four. While the only positive today was excellent goaltending by Petr Mrazek, the good news is that the series is far from over. Fortunately, the Bruins have not played at their best either this series and that the Hurricanes only need to make a few adjustments to take game four.

First, as mentioned before, the Hurricanes had trouble slowing the game down and entering the Bruins’ defensive zone with a plan.  With the Bruins’ defensive line holding down the fort along with Halak, these offensive rushes were as good as nullified.

The Hurricanes cannot use their offensive talent without an effort to establish the forecheck and keep the puck alive in the offensive zone. By setting the pace and establishing their presence, the Hurricanes will find themselves on the scoreboard without difficulty.

Another note on the offensive front is setting up at the net and forcing scoring opportunities. Halak is without a doubt an elite goalie and showed his playoff pedigree today; however, a goalie is only as good as their ability to prepare for a shot. The Hurricanes need to establish a net-front presence and prevent Halak from setting up in the shooting angle.

More from Cardiac Cane

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• 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

Too often today the Hurricanes shoot the puck without a clear rebound scenario that would allow them to get some momentum and confidence. I will always favor shooting the puck at any given opportunity, but the playoff desperation comes in to play to secure a rebound and catch the goalie out of position.

Every Caniac who tuned in today is disappointed in the result; however, the Hurricanes did not make it to the first round without deserving to be in the position that they are in. I believe in this team, and I believe that the Hurricanes can harness their desperation and take game four.

Question for CC readers: Which players do you think need to make way for the guys on the wings and sit out the next game or two?