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Scary Defense Just in Time For Halloween

By Glenn Brewer |
Apr 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA;i New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta (32) defenseman Brady Skjei (76) right wing Stefan Noesen (23) and defenseman Brett Pesce (22) watch the play during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA;i New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta (32) defenseman Brady Skjei (76) right wing Stefan Noesen (23) and defenseman Brett Pesce (22) watch the play during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The beginning of an NHL season can be one for overanalyzing. The Carolina Hurricanes had a strong start to the season but are not perfect in anyone’s eyes. That was evident in the last two games. Many of the concerns and applause are small samples but the goals against them have been a real concern for the defense.

Naturally, these players are shaking off the rust and some are learning a new system. Surely getting used to new teammates, linemates, and defensive pairings can take time as well.

But the consistency of the goals in the back of their own net is not normal under this coaching staff. The strong point of this formula to win is solid team defense first. The result of the play in front of the netminder has allowed some goaltenders to look amazing in years past. Currently, the goaltender’s stats are enflamed and that is everyone’s fault.

Right now, players like Dmitry Orlov are learning a new system and developing chemistry with not only his defensive partner but the entire roster. Orlov is a proven NHL defenseman with loads of talent and a resume to prove it.

This is a system that should have Orlov flourish but it is going to take some time for that to happen. Brent Burns did not explode right out of the gate but has become an essential part of the defensive group.

The core of the defense can not be fully to blame as the forwards will need to get back and cover their respective assignments. After the first 6 games too many missed assignments and a lack of attention to detail are causing chaos in the wrong way.

This will change and if it doesn’t the coaching staff will make some necessary changes. This is a deep group of players and it will be a “next man” mentality to get the results that are expected from this team.

Don Waddell decided to bring back both veteran goaltenders while having Pyotr Kochetkov seemingly ready to take the next step. This will be something to watch closely as the treatment of Kochetkov could determine the outcome of this season.

I believe that one of Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen should have been brought back but if both cannot get the job done it will look poorly on Waddell.

Again, I cannot stress enough how early it is in the season but with the majority of this group being the same for many years, it cannot be ignored just how many goals the opposition is producing night in and night out thus far.

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