More Physical Andrei Svechnikov Is Creating More Offense
By Chris Baker
Andrei Svechnikov is clicking into rhyme with the Carolina Hurricanes point run that extended Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the Canes have been moving the puck offensively, Svechnikov has certainly contributed, but his physical game has been adding yet another element to his game.
In the past five games, Andrei Svechnikov has 12 hits with two big time pops Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On the season Svechnikov has 61 knocks. This is compared to 189 last year and 114 the year before. Going on averages, he had 2.4 per game in 2021-22 and 2.0 in 2020-21. With only a third of the season played he is averaging 2.0 per game
This physical play has not dropped off his points total. He is on pace to score as many or more goals than last year. With 17 goals in 31 game, he can reach last year’s total (30) in 53 games.
If anything this new, more physical Andrei Svechnikov has created more offense for himself by getting open for good passes, and just shooting more in general.
One need look no further than his goal is Thursday’s 3-2 win against the Seattle Kraken
Using his size and speed, he was able to create the turnover, then capitalize on his shooting ability to complete a beautiful bar down shot that opened the scoring for Carolina.
This new physical play keeps Andrei Svechnikov in the back of any opposing teams minds. Certainly it influences theirs gameplay.
Isolating Andrei Svechnikov leaves room for other Hurricanes open for scoring.
A tougher, more intense Andrei Svechnikov is helping his offensive play, as well as the Carolina Hurricanes by opening up more scoring opportunities. The numbers don’t lie.
Stats sources
https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/4352683/andrei-svechnikov
https://www.nhl.com/player/andrei-svechnikov-8480830
https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/svechan01.html