Carolina Hurricanes: Keys to Closing Out Miniseries vs. Columbus

The Carolina Hurricanes remain in Columbus tonight to wrap up their four-game miniseries against the Blue Jackets. Tonight marks the second-to-last game these two teams will play against each other in the regular season this year.

There are a total of 4 points left on the table between these two teams; the Canes have an opportunity tonight to snag half of them.

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A win tonight for the Carolina Hurricanes would slot them securely in 2nd place in the Discover Central Division. The Canes sit a point ahead of the Florida Panthers and 5 points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning with a game in hand against both teams.

Adversely, a win tonight for the Columbus Blue Jackets would put them right back into the race for the 4th position slot in the Discover Central Division against the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, and Nashville Predators.

Tonight’s matchup is far from a ‘must-win’ for the Carolina Hurricanes, but another two points would put them closer to taking back the mantle of the best team in the Discover Central Division and the league, to boot.

3. Nedheads, Rejoice!

For the first time in his NHL career, Alex Nedeljkovic will have his 2nd consecutive start tonight.

This is monumental for the rookie netminder, as up until this point, it seemed that Rod Brind’amour hadn’t fully placed faith in him yet and was more than content to alternate between Ned and James Reimer in Petr Mrazek‘s absence.

This seems to (thankfully) no longer be the case.

This is a dead horse I’ve beaten all season, but I’ll happily throw in a few more kicks here and there. Alex Nedeljkovic deserves all the playing time he can get. He’s more than proven he’s the right choice to man the crease night in and night out until Mrazek returns.

Even then, Ned is making a very strong case that he should be the guy when Mrazek does return. That remains to be seen, as Mrazek was on fire before his injury.

My verdict? If Mrazek comes back and is still on fire, give Ned the backup spot. Mrazek was one of the top goaltenders in the league during his early season stretch.

If we get the “normal” Mrazek back that we’ve grown used to the past couple years, though, give Ned the mantle of ‘starter’. Mrazek is not a bad goalie by any means, even on his “normal” days; he provides better than league average goaltending, and that’s fantastic. Ned, however, has been on a whole other level so far.

We’ll see.

2. Lorentz and Geekie Continue to Impress

Steven Lorentz and Morgan Geekie have proven that they both belong on NHL ice this season.

Both of these youngsters have looked right at home on both ends of the ice; Geekie slightly more so in the offensive zone, Lorentz slightly more so in the defensive zone.

Lorentz has no problem forechecking and being physical. Geekie has no problem setting up plays and taking shots. Neither of them have much problem with positioning (offensive or defensive), and they both have been incredibly solid taxi squad additions while the Carolina Hurricanes are missing Vincent Trocheck and Teuvo Teravainen.

These rookies have managed to put together very solid contributions this season, and I’d imagine that this trend will not only continue, but intensify. Every game, Lorentz looks like he’s closer and closer to getting his 2nd career NHL goal.

I have a feeling these guys will be players to watch in tonight’s game.

1. Dougie’s Point Streak to Tie Season Record

Dougie Hamilton has an opportunity tonight to tie Auston Matthews’ record this season for longest active point streak (13 games).

This is insane. Dougie is really out here casually tying records set by some of the league’s top forwards as a defenseman.

I’m not sure how else to say this, but Dougie Hamilton is about to get p a i d. Hopefully the Carolina Hurricanes are the ones to pay him, but wherever he goes, he’s definitely going to cash in.

I’m talking north of $8M AAV. That’s beside the point for right now, though.

Let me say it again: if Dougie can manage to snag another goal or assist tonight, he’ll tie Auston Matthews’ record for longest active point streak in the 2020-21 NHL season. I can’t restate enough how insane that is.

Fingers crossed, toss a pinch of salt over your shoulder, knock on wood, all that jazz, eh?