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

Tony DeAngelo is filling the role he was asked to when he was signed

Carolina’s #77 is at the center of almost every fight within the fanbase for his off-ice views and actions in the past. While his previous actions do need to be condoned, what Tony DeAngelo has done for the Carolina Hurricanes on the ice has been nothing short of fantastic. He’s been sensational at both ends of the rink and had a multipoint night in this one to see him move back to a point per game.

He’s among the league’s best right now in terms of production from the blue line, and his scoring seems to be sustainable. Right now, he’s doing a lot of good for the Carolina Hurricanes on the backend despite making the fanbase argue and almost start a civil war. When you talk about DeAngelo, the one thing that you cannot say is that he is a bad hockey player. He’s one of the best scoring defensemen in the NHL.

Now, what has seemed to have changed regarding DeAngelo is his defensive frailties. Since his heavily publicized fallout with the New York Rangers and their dressing room, DeAngelo seems to have figured out his defensive concerns. He’s playing well in his own end, but this isn’t to say that he isn’t prone to making a bone-headed mistake when he is in his own zone. It just means he’s been better at making amends for it.

DeAngelo will divide the fanbase for as long as he is a Carolina Hurricane and probably longer. He’s been very effective on the ice, and he’s been able to control games from the blueline. He’s a very talented powerplay quarterback and just a fantastic hockey player. DeAngelo only makes $1 million this year, and it looks like one of the best deals in the NHL. Yes, there’s a reason he only makes $1 million, but he’s earning every penny on the ice.