Carolina Hurricanes: Keys to CBJ matinee game

Carolina finds themselves in a rough situation. Coming out of Chicago, where the Canes split the series and did not play well in the slightest while also losing emerging star Martin Necas to a scary head injury. It was a rough week in the Windy City, but now the Hurricanes find themselves with a chance for redemption in the Arch City.

In Ohio’s capital, Carolina will face a seemingly lackluster Columbus Blue Jackets squad who have been very mediocre to this point in the young season. They have an oddly pleasing record at 5-4-3 and sit in the top 4 places in the Discovery Central division. However, they may seem a little high because, for those mathematical minds, you’ll notice the record discrepancy, having played 4 more games than the Carolina Hurricanes.

Being lead by Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Jackets scoring comes from deep within. To start the season, they did not have someone who could score for fun. They will grind you to dust like any John Tortorella coached team. He alone is sometimes worth just watching the end of the games, but not the point. He runs a very well disciplined Blue Jackets team.

Now, you notice how I said at the start of the season the Jackets didn’t have someone who can score for fun? They do now! Columbus got themselves a new toy. Patrik Laine is a Columbus Blue Jacket and oh, boy can he score almost at will. One of the best shots in the league, he will pose a dangerous threat. His scoring ability will need to be respected.

In that deal, Columbus did lose Pierre Luc-Dubois who seems to always eat Carolina alive, but they did gain someone who tends to fly a little under the radar. Jack Roslovic, will also be playing. Not quite the same caliber as Laine, but a good depth piece who may cause issues. Carolina will need to appreciate the danger that all Columbus’ new forwards possess.

Columbus also boasts a fantastic back-end. With Seth Jones and Zach Werenski headlining the 6 men back there, they’re very capable all over the ice. It will take a lot to generate scoring chances against this back end, and it’s going to take a great performance from everyone on the team to start to dominate this Jackets team.

Even if Carolina starts to generate scoring chances, Joonas Korpisalo will still be tough to beat. One of the strengths of the Columbus squad is their ability to run with either goaltender and although Elvis Merzlikins is hurt, Korpisalo is still not going to be a sieve. It’s going to require a lot from the Canes to get 4 points from Columbus.

So, let’s dive into what it will take for the Carolina Hurricanes to get out of Nationwide Arena with everything they need to continue their good start to the 2020-21 NHL season.