Carolina Hurricanes: Three takeaways from 4-1 win over Toronto

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 23, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 23, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 28: Jordan Staal #11 and Steven Lorentz #78 of the Carolina Hurricanes look on during the first period of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at PNC Arena on January 28, 2021, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 28: Jordan Staal #11 and Steven Lorentz #78 of the Carolina Hurricanes look on during the first period of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at PNC Arena on January 28, 2021, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Steven Lorentz is a monster

While many, including myself, were doubtful about Steven Lorentz‘s chances to make the starting lineup on a nightly basis this season. In this game against Toronto, he proved exactly why I write about the team and am not a head coach in the National Hockey League. I was highly doubtful about Lorentz’s ice time given the depth of the team.

Lorentz’s goal in this game was a sensational solo effort and it’s a testament to his drive and one of the reasons he got into the NHL despite being passed over the first time he was eligible to be drafted. Lorentz’s effort was the game-winner and it was a big part of the demotivation of the Maple Leafs, who struggle with their own confidence occasionally.

This goal is just everything you want it to be from your 4th line. Lorentz wins a race to the puck against the Leafs defenseman, but he loses the puck in his skates. Not knowing where it is, he spins around and finds it. With not a lot of time, Lorentz just throws it on and it squeaks through the Toronto netminder for a beautiful solo effort goal from Lorentz.

With a great effort, Lorentz managed to successfully get to the net to record the game-winner before the defenseman could track him, and it helped the Carolina Hurricanes achieve two points in the standings. It’s something that the Canes need, depth production. I mentioned that in the keys to the game. Depth scoring would decide this game, and Lorentz was there when the team needed it.

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