3 takeaways as Canes double Flyers up 6-3 at the Wells Fargo Center

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is coming along nicely

When I say that all three of the Canes’ highest earners got on the board in this once, you know Aho and Svech did, so who was the other one? Yes, Jesperi Kotkaniemi had a multipoint night in this one. His goal was an absolute beauty and I will be sure to include it here just so you can have the honor of watching it again, but Kotkaniemi is starting to show flashes of brilliance.

This is a beautiful passing play that goes tic-tac-toe-goal and Kotkaniemi has the intelligence to not just loiter and drive the front of the net. He’s rewarded with a tap-in and a beautiful goal, and he’s now up to 4 goals and 6 points on the year. While this is still a slow start, he’s showing signs of coming to life. He’s looked fantastic since his move to the middle in the Vegas game.

He’s honestly looked rejuvenated and if that continues, there’s a good chance we could see Kotkaniemi play a game or two higher up the lineup to rest some of the important guys if they have bumps and bruises. Carolina’s center depth in that sense is incredible, and Kotkaniemi only makes them deeper. He’s been a good member of the Carolina Hurricanes and a worthwhile pick-up for the team to this point.

What Kotkaniemi will need to do is ensure that he doesn’t stop developing. In a league that is always getting tougher to play in, he can’t standstill. Practice whatever you want to, and what you’re good at to build your strengths and become an important part of the roster. KK thinks the game so well, that his intelligence should be considered his greatest asset. After all, a warrior’s greatest weapon is his mind.