After completing a grueling 6-game road trip that spanned over a week, the Carolina Hurricanes are 6-2, just 2 points out of first place in the Metro Division with 4 games in hand on the New Jersey Devils. Rod Brind'Amour and his staff have many players to credit for this great start, but Martin Necas, Sebastian Aho, and Shayne Gostisbehere largely stand out.
The road trip that started in Pittsburgh and ended in Vancouver saw the Canes grab 5 impressive victories. The only defeat came at the hand of the St. Louis Blues by a score of 4-3. Carolina scored 22 goals over the six games, spreading the wealth across the depth of this team.
Martin Necas
After a long summer of doubt that Necas would even return to Raleigh, he has quieted all the "haters" and got off to the great start that he desperately needed. It is a credit to his focus and dedication to his craft that he was able to come into camp and get right down to business with this group. The team needed players to step up offensively after losing some quality scoring in the offseason.
After being drafted in the first round of the NHL draft in 2017, Necas has shown the talent to be a superstar with his speed and quick hands. Putting all the pieces has taken longer than anyone in the organization wanted but after signing a multi-year contract, the 25-year-old can focus on improving his game and becoming a leader in the locker room.
8 games into the season, Necas has 4 goals and 11 points to lead this Carolina team in goals, assists, and points. The Czech Republic star is behind just Eric Robinson in plus/minus with a plus 4. 2 of his 4 goals are game-winning which is even more important for his hot start. Additionally, 5 of his points are on the man advantage, which has become a huge weapon for Brind'Amour's group.
Last year's 53-point performance was a concern for Caniacs after taking a step backward from the prior campaign's 71-point breakout. When Necas is shooting and scoring, the Canes roll, and if this continues, Necas will surpass his career numbers and lead this team to the postseason.
Sebastian Aho
It is sometimes hard to remember that Aho is just 27 years old but he quickly becoming one of the greatest players in franchise history. The Finnish center is so important to this team because of his play in every zone while being the focal point of this offense. Aho gets the best defensive players from the opposition night in and night out but still performs by making his linemates better.
The ninth season in Raleigh has started well and although it is nothing flashy, Aho continues to produce for this organization. Even when Aho is not on the scoresheet, he is preventing scoring opportunities for the other team and setting a good example of Brind'Amour's system every shift.
Last season was a career year for the All-Star after registering 89 points from 53 assists and 36 goals. He has picked up where he left off with 3 goals and 5 assists this season. Like Necas, two of Aho's goals this season were game-winners. It is never about statistics for Aho, but the important effect on every game.
The 27-year-old has logged an average of 20:18 ice time this season which is the highest of his career and that number may go up as the season progresses.
Shayne Gostisbehere
Gostisbehere came back to Carolina after his short stint with the team in 2023 after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Arizona Coyotes. His 23 games played a major role in learning the system and culture in Raleigh. After one season in Detroit, Gostisbehere returned after a solid 56 point season.
The 31-year-old had some big shoes to fill this season after the departure of Brady Skjei to Nashville and Brett Pesce to New Jersey. The power play desperately needed production from the blue line this season and the former Philadelphia Flyer has provided just that. 4 goals and 3 assists have put him at the top tier of production for the Canes this season. 3 of those goals have been on the power play and more importantly, has been solid defensively.
The Canes have had a dangerous power play, ranking 7th in the NHL and that has provided a lot of the goals on this road trip to bring them to victory. With continued success from Gostisbehere, the man advantage will be just that, an advantage.