3 takeaways as Canes dominate in Winnipeg against the Jets
Carolina’s former division rival to the south suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes who earned this win in a hard-fought fashion. As the Canes dominated the on-ice proceedings, it was a hit that a lot of fans are coming out of this game discussing and the five-minute major that was awarded on the play, as well as the $5,000 fine for kneeing that accompanied it.
Obviously, we will get to that, but as for now, we have a lot of good to talk about as the Canes are now trying to chase down the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers who are ahead of them in the Metropolitan Division standings. This road trip is going to be big in the chase of the divisions’ leaders and the Canes will need to perform well if they want to add another division championship to last year’s one.
Carolina’s former Southeastern division rival was soundly defeated by a score of 4-2 as the Canes tallied two powerplay markers on either side of the 2nd intermission to see the team put the game out of reach and as the Canes closed the door in the third period as they so often do, we get to talk about another two points in the standings for the great organization.
This was a really well-played game from the team and they did well to get the lead and push back when Winnipeg set out to try and get back into this one. They dealt well with the pressure and they ensured that as the defense continued to keep the Winnipeg attackers at bay throughout the night. It was a good performance from the team, and it was a very promising display for the fans.
Carolina’s powerplay ices the game
When the Carolina Hurricanes put this game out of reach, it was at the mercy of their powerplay. With two big goals on either side of the 2nd intermission, they made this a 3-2 and then a 4-2 game and it really put the jets behind the eight ball for the rest of the third period. This was really the story of the game. Carolina’s powerplay generated chances and goals for the team.
When they put the jets under as much pressure as they did when they had the man advantage, it became a matter of waiting until they broke. When they wheel the puck around and pass with that much speed, it becomes difficult to adjust and get set for what is coming and the Canes made it a simple job in the end. Dominating at 5v5, but with the spare skater specifically, they really hemmed the Jets in.
When the Canes get to their best, they can dominate teams and they did this in Winnipeg. Dominating this game means that they kept the Winnipeg offense out of the Canes zone, and it really nullified the threat of some of the best players on this roster. When the Canes play like this, they’re one of the best teams in the NHL and it’s why they were cup favorites a few weeks ago.
This was a clinical powerplay display from the Canes and it’s further evidence that this team is well-coached and well organized. It’s promising for the team as they move onto Calgary that their powerplay was so dominant. It was game-changing.
Carolina’s penalty kill is utterly ridiculous
Carolina gave up 2 shots to this scary Winnipeg offense on a 5-minute major.
Do you want me to continue? What else is there to say after that? After Cole wrongfully got 5 and a game (and we’ll get to this) Carolina penalty kill destroyed this game and made Winnipeg look like they were a peewee hockey team. They were not up to the same standards as this Canes PK and they made them look like boys against men.
We can talk about the Canes powerplay dominating the game, when you only allow 2 shots on a 5-minute major at a point where the game could swing either way and you put up that kind of defensive display of stability, you have done what you set out to do going into this one. It was great from everyone who stepped onto the ice down a man.
More than just the major, they got caught chasing in the 2nd for the beautiful Dubois powerplay goal that he tipped between his legs, but that was the only mistake the unit made as they shut the door down outside of that. They were excellent all game along, and they’ve been great all season. Tim Gleason has done a great job working with this unit, and they’ve answered well.
Considering Carolina are the most penalized team in the NHL, they get a lot of work, and they do well. They kill aggressively and they pressure the blueline to deny entry. It’s good fundamental hockey, and it’s done excellently by the team.
Freddie Andersen is just fantastic
When the Carolina Hurricanes replaced their netminders this summer, a lot of people wondered if it was the right decision. Frederik Andersen would like to ask everyone who doubted him to stop talking. He’s also come so close to adding a goal to his resume. He’s been brilliant on the ice and off the ice. He’s been incredible, and he committed a crime last night for the Hurricanes.
Frederik Andersen was THIS close to a goalie goal last night. pic.twitter.com/ciDYbq12cp
— NHL (@NHL) November 19, 2021
Obviously, Andersen has been a big reason the Canes have the lowest goals-against total in the NHL. He’s a big reason the Canes are as good as they are and as high as they are in the standings. Freddie has dominated a lot of teams for a lot of reasons. He’s been excellent in 40 save wins, he’s been great making highlight-reel saves, or just keeping the team in games in general.
Is there a reason why Andersen can be blamed for any of the Canes’ losses to this point in the season? Is there any game you look at and think “Well if the Canes had a better goalie, they could have won that game”. Freddie has been a good goalie for as long as he’s been in the City of Oaks.
Whether he’s been asked to stop 20 or 40, Freddie has been one of the best Canes this season no matter what the game dictated. He’s been a standout player for the team and he will continue to be for the season.
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