The Hurricanes Have Stability in the “Jordan” Line
By Glenn Brewer
The Carolina Hurricanes have been on a hot streak at the right time. The road trip circled on the schedule due to its longevity has resulted in the turning point in the season.
The Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders last night in epic fashion.
Pyotr Kochetkov earned his second shutout of the season and his career. The Hurricane’s offense did what was necessary and scored three goals to secure the victory.
The duo of the Jordans has stood out all season for the Hurricanes.
Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook have played together for the majority of the season. They have provided a solid checking presence while contributing to the offense in a big way.
The captain brings so much more to the team than his statistics but secondary scoring is a welcome sight this season.
His leadership and credibility are enough to have Staal on this team for many years to come but his increase in offensive production from the line has carried helped take the load off the top lines.
Staal and his big body always have an advantage when playing the body and cleaning up in front of the opposition’s net.
With the lack of production from players like Paul Stastny and injuries to Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen, it has been a tremendous contribution from this line.
Martinook has played like a player that should be on the top line.
Like Staal, Martinook is a tremendous leader and checking forward. He has had flashes of offensive skill in the past but nothing as consistent as this year has been.
Both players can settle down the game with their play but now have added being the offensive catalyst in some games.
No better example of this is Martinook’s hat trick. Martinook does not have to score goals to do his job, but the difference between his production could extend a playoff run.
Martinook’s 14 points places him right behind the big boys on the top lines and he has arguably been this season’s MVP thus far.
Staal has 7 goals and is on pace to get himself close to 20 goals once again. That is no short feat with the defensively responsibility that he has night in and night out.
Whether these two are able to sustain this offensive production or not, they are the heart of the team.