Gold: Canes v Sabres and beyond
Posted April 7, 2022 11:01 a.m. EDT
A dirty dozen games remain in the Carolina Hurricanes regular season. And, thanks to a little bit of a swoon in the results department that has seen the Hurricanes win just 4 of their last 12 games (4-5-3), there is still a ton of unfinished business before they can turn a focus towards the playoffs.
Tonight’s game at PNC Arena against the Buffalo Sabres not only presents a chance to bounce back from a disappointing-yet-deserving loss in Buffalo on Tursday. But, it also is another opportunity to clinch a postseason spot. Carolina is two points from guaranteeing their place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Tonight also needs to be the start of getting all facets of Carolina’s game sharp and ready for the ultimate gauntlet in sports. To find 16 wins in May and June will take a lot better than what the Hurricanes have shown over the last month.
The Canes offense has been far less productive in this 19-game stretch. While they’re still 8th in the league in goals scored overall they’ve fallen off considerably to 2.7 per game during this skid. The power play is at 20% efficiency over that time (not to mention 1 for their last 14) and the penalty kill has allowed 5 power play goals in the last 4 games.
As a result, the Hurricanes have seen their lead in the Metropolitan Division shrink to just 2 points over the Rangers. While Carolina does have a game in hand, there are still 2 games remaining with New York so if the division title is important – spoiler, it is – this 3-game home stand is critical. After tonight, the Islanders and Ducks are at PNC Arena tomorrow and Sunday, respectively.
On the other hand, the Sabres have won 10 of their last 17 (10-4-3), are scoring 3.2 goals per night and have pumped in 7 power play goals in their last 6 games.
I know it seems like former Hurricanes scorer Jeff Skinner scores in every game he plays against Carolina, but it isn’t true. He didn’t score in the first game this year. But, he does have 6 goals and 2 assists in 6 career games against his old pals.
Carolina’s only consistent line has been the “One” Line (yes, I’m trying to make that a thing). Jordan Staal , Nino Niederreiter and Jesper Fast, all with a “1” in their uniform number, produced both Hurricanes goals Tuesday night in Buffalo. And, it appears that there has been a little bit of a reshuffling of the other nine forwards.
Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis
Domi-Trocheck-Teravainen
Martinook-Stepan-Necas
There are no changes on defense as Ethan Bear continues to work his way back from a lower body injury. Antti Raanta will get the start in net.
The Line: Carolina -380. O/U: 6 goals.
Stormwatch starring Dennis Cox rolls at 7:00 tonight with the opening face off just after 7:30. Be sure to follow the Canes Corner Podcast which drops after every Hurricanes game. It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.
