Cardiac Cane
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Carolina Hurricanes: Keys to Toppling Florida Again

By Matthew Nidiffer

Feb 27, 2021; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Juho Lammikko (83) battle for the puck against Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) during the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2021; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Juho Lammikko (83) battle for the puck against Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) during the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (39) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (39) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Alex Nedeljkovic is the Answer

Same old story, same old song and dance. You all know exactly how I feel about this situation.

Alex Nedeljkovic should be the Carolina Hurricanes’ starter in Petr Mrazek‘s absence, and has more than earned the true backup position over James Reimer when Mrazek does return full-time.

As evidenced yet again on Saturday night, James Reimer just doesn’t have it anymore. I’m not even entirely sure what it is, but it’s just not there. Normally, his flopping around on the ice is sufficient at keeping pucks out, but it hasn’t been so lately.

Reimer has been solid in the shootout, though, so that’s his one saving grace for me at this point. Otherwise, give Ned the starts and put Reimer on the taxi squad after Mrazek comes back. I know it won’t happen, but a guy can dream, right?

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