Today’s Daily Cup of Joe offers a set of quick hitters on Hurricanes players who have been hot since the team started winning.
Justin Williams as captain clutch
Fourteen of Justin Williams 22 goals have come in the 34 games since the start of 2019 (basically when the Hurricanes started winning). More significantly, the vast majority of Williams’ tallies have been the kind that win points in the standings. Eleven of the 14 goals have either tied the game or put the Hurricanes ahead. In addition, six of those eleven swing goals have come in the third period. So if your eye test suggests that Justin Williams has scored a number of game-deciding type of goals, the math backs it up.
Brock McGinn also surging
Also in the hot category is Brock McGinn. Seven of his nine goals have come since January 1. In addition, he is a plus 14 since the start of 2019 after being minus 5 prior to that.
Petr Mrazek rising
Since the beginning of February, Petr Mrazek’s save percentage is .935. In that same time frame, his record is a scintillating 9-3.
Winning with Brett Pesce on the ice
After a very respectable plus 7 through December, Brett Pesce is a whopping plus 21 in the 34 games since the start of January. That makes for a goal differential with Brett Pesce on the ice of 0.62 goals per game. In a sport where games are regularly decided by one or two goals, that is a significant margin. What’s more, Pesce is doing this during a stretch where Brind’Amour increasingly has relied on him to match up against the other teams’ best.
Dougie Hamilton scoring
Hamilton has 10 of his 13 goals in the 34 games since January started. 22 of his 32 points have also come in the last 34 games since 2019 started. The 82-game pace is an impressive 26 goals and 56 points.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Which of these hot streaks is most impressive?
2) Which plays the biggest part in the Hurricanes winning run?
3) Who has other hot streaks that Canes fans should enjoy?
Go Canes!
1) Pesce and Williams are the most impressive. It is easy to forget that Pesce is playing on his offside because since Jan. 20 (when Pesce and Faulk were paired and shut down McDavid) a serious argument can be made that 22 is the best d-man in the NHL. Williams is an integral part of a true #1 scoring line. Earlier this year he looked to be fading, now he looks like he just turned 29!
2) Mrazek has been amazing for a month. He has stolen 6-7 points, that is more than Carolina’s lead over CBJ and Montreal.
3) Teravainen–hasn’t been as hot lately, but many argued he wasn’t effective away from Aho. His ability to create a second scoring line has been huge for two months. Finally, Svechnikov is making jaw-dropping plays once or twice every game. At some point this year or next he is going to go on a run of 6-8 games where he scores every game.
Mrazek’s play is the biggest story. McElhinney’s was clearly the better goalie through January. Mrazek rising to and even surpassing McElhinney’s play over the past 2 months has allowed Canes to win games that they probably should have lost.
I would say a close second to our goalies, would be the new 1st line of Williams-Aho-Nino. The Canes winning streak closely aligns with the dominance of this line – they seem to have incredible chemistry and compliment each other’s play really well.
1. JW’s hot streak is the most impressive – his play since January has put him back to the same production numbers he had in his best years with both LAK and WSH. That is flat out impressive.
2. The most important is Mrazek – he has repeatedly stolen games – making saves after defensive breakdowns. One has to wonder where we would stand in the playoff race if Mrazek had only been playing “average” the past 6-7 weeks.
3. For me, clearly the answer here is Charlotte Checkers’ play.
Good pick up on the Checkers. Glad to see you back. How’s the recovery going?
Crisis averted – which is good.
Post-surgery pain – which is unpleasant.
Having to lay low for a week – which is damn tough for me to do.
Thank you for asking.
tj. Glad you are doing well. I actually get a little bummed when I can’t watch the Checkers because there is a Canes game.
“Doing well” is an overstatement. But did you see today’s game? Checkers finding a way to win, and Necas showing off his shot while Ned holds the fort.
Welcome back, Sir! Hope all is well.
Agree JW is on a hunt, and good for him. This is his team and he is playing for playoffs. Good on him, true leader.