Cardiac Cane
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Carolina Hurricanes: Keys to Keep Rolling Against Columbus

By Holland Bostrom

Feb 8, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) moves in for a shot against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Michael Del Zotto (15) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) moves in for a shot against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Michael Del Zotto (15) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender James Reimer (47) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Stars during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender James Reimer (47) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Stars during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Reimer Return to Form?

James Reimer currently boasts a 6-1-0 record on the year, but his performance has definitely cooled off since his first few games.

Over the six-game road trip, he started four games in which he averaged an .863 SV% and a 4.0 GAA. Not ideal, I would say. I’m sure I sound spoiled after Petr Mrazek’s magnificent first three games, but regardless of how good both of your goalies may be, you always want to have a clear #1 starter.

I think Monday night will have plenty of opportunities for Reimer to surge some confidence back into his game, now that the Canes’ regulars are looking like their old selves before the COVID protocol pause.

However, Haydn Fleury has been projected as a scratch for the Columbus game and Jake Bean will take his place. Fleury leads the entire team in blocked shots at 20 on the season, but has yet to record a point through 12 games. Will Fleury’s absence affect the defensive side of the ice, or can Bean pick up where he left off?

Reimer has shown us some magic in the past, but the Blue Jackets were able to hang five on him last time. Hopefully he can get comfortable being between the pipes back in PNC Arena.

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