Yesterday’s article on possible additions to the Hurricanes defense aged about as well as 3 week old milk, left outside, on a summer’s day, in an oven turned to broil. Just about the time I hit SUBMIT, the Hurricanes added Shayne Gostisbehere to their already solid defensive unit.
Given their showing against the Vegas Golden Knights (who did not actually acquire Tage Thompson only to trade him for a Warren Zevon song) last night, Gostisbehere will be a welcomed addition to a Hurricanes defense just in time for a deep play-off run.
Just how much Shayne Gostisbehere will bring to the table? Lets run the same numbers we tabulated yesterday, and factor in Gostibehere.
Going into the game against the Golden Knights the Hurricanes defense posted a very respectable line, especially stacked up against the defenses of both the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils. Boston of course is leading the Eastern Conference and New Jersey now sits just one point below Carolina in 2nd place of the Metro Division.
Side-by- side totals
- CAR: 37 G, 97 A, 74.7% Games above 0
- BOS: 30 G, 124 A, 79.7% Games above 0
- NJD: 35 G, 102 A, 51.7% Games above 0
Add in Gostisbehere.
- Season Line- 10 G, 21 A, -6
- Games Zero Or Above- 27
Hurricanes Defense (With Gostibehere)
Season Line- 47 G 108 A, 71.8% Games above 0
New side-by-side totals
- CAR: 47 G 108 A, 71.8% Games above 0
- BOS: 30 G, 124 A, 79.7% Games above 0
- NJD: 35 G, 102 A, 51.7% Games above 0
As you can see, the Hurricanes defense is improved in both goals and assists, but did drop in their percentage of games at zero or better. Still, with Shayne Gostisbehere, the Hurricane defense out scores both the Bruins and New Jersey. And it out steps the Devils’ D in assists and games above 0.
Given the very simple stats from this example, and how the Hurricanes defense stacks up against likely playoff opponent Boston, PLUS the added power play points Shayne Gostisbehere brings, I think the Carolina Hurricanes made a stellar move to bolster their defensive corps without subtracting from what is already a very talented group.