We are a week into the Carolina Hurricanes’ season and it has been an excellent start for the team. Sure there are always a few things to complain about but Teuvo Teravainen is not one of them.
Three victories out of four matches is one that any coach would take to start the season but it is even more impressive for Rod Brind’Amour due to the circumstances. Having to jump out to the West Coast right after an emotional home opener is not easy.
With the help of Teravainen, the Canes are riding high with 6 points. Those 6 points lead the Eastern Conference, yes I know it is far too early to look at the standings!
After last season’s struggles for Teravainen, it was uncertain how the 29-year-old would respond but the answer is obvious. “Turbo” came out on fire and shut the critics up.
Outside of Brady Skjei, the Finnish forward leads the team with five points. Four of those points are goals, which leads the Canes. Two of those five points were on the man advantage and this is being ninth on the roster in average ice time.
What may be the most impressive stat for the former Chicago Blackhawk is that he has just 8 shots this season with a .500 scoring percentage. Surely this level of play will be rewarded by the coaching staff with more ice time and potentially more power play minutes.
After registering a disappointing 12 goals and 37 points last season, he is almost halfway to his goal total after 4 games. If Teravainen can avoid injury, he is sure to come close to this production.
Playing in the final year of his contract, the former first-round draft choice in the 2012 draft could be making some big money. Entering the summer with a strong season will most certainly guarantee his exit from Raleigh.
Teravainen and the Canes continue this lengthy road trip tomorrow. The team will exit the Golden State and head to play the Seattle Kraken.