Carolina Hurricanes: 3 keys to a win in Sin City
By Conor Power
Upping the Antti
With the projected starter tonight expected to be Antti Raanta, there will need to be a big goaltending performance from the Canes number two. We have seen how strong the Canes big Danish free agent addition to the crease and it’s time to see what the Finn can do. Raanta has only started one game after being knocked out of his relief appearance in Florida on a big hit.
With the Rauma, Finland native manning the crease, Carolina will need a big performance from him. He’s been solid in his two appearances as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes thus far, but that is not a pass for the Finn to take this lightly. This is a rare chance for him. In the 14th game of the season, this is his second start. They do not come around often. Seize this chance and give your team a chance to win.
Now, it’s known that Raanta has the ability to be a fantastic shot-stopper. Although his body has suffered a lot to this point of his career, the Finnish goaltender has shown that he can be reliable, and this Vegas top six can still hurt you. Even if most of it is on the injured reserve or COVID-19 protocol list at this point in time.
This is a big chance for Raanta to establish himself as a true contender for the starter’s job. We’ve seen this coaching staff choose to use a two-goalie rotation in the past, but this season has firmly seen Raanta act as a backup to Carolina’s starter who was the third star of the month in October. Raanta needs to step up big time if he is to seek more playing time.