2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
By Ben Huffman
![VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Ryan Suzuki poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-eighth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Ryan Suzuki poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-eighth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5967241af4a044099b735d3522f9df07eaaa639240d8fcdb53216221f63db548.jpg)
The forecheck was present and dangerous, a mainstay for the organization
The identity of the Carolina Hurricanes at the NHL level has been to dump the puck into the zone and jump down opponents’ throats on the forecheck. We saw a lot of that from the prospects during the Southeast Rookie Showcase. Twice against Florida, we saw the forecheck lead to a goal, and on Monday, they scored a goal after a defender from Nashville played the puck off a skate and into the net. It wasn’t just one player creating all of the pressure. Every forward was in the zone, ready to pounce on the puck once it was dumped in. This likely gives the coaching staff an idea of who can fit into the playing style, especially if they need to call someone up after an injury. It was one of the most noticeable parts of the team’s game over the weekend.