On Saturday afternoon, I seemingly jinxed the Hurricanes when I said on Twitter:
#Canes play 6 of next 8 against current non-playoff teams before challenging March schedule. Need to #KeepPushing.
— Canes and Coffee (@CanesandCoffee) February 9, 2019
On cue, the Hurricanes lost the first of those eight games to the bottom team in the Metropolitan Division.
As I said in my game recap, Sunday’s loss magnifies the importance of Tuesday’s road trip finale in Ottawa. A win still nets a very successful 4-1 road trip. I would happily have taken that before the trip started. But a loss on Tuesday gives up most of what was gained in converting the road trip into a treading water 3-2.
After that, the rest of February primarily features teams in the bottom third of the NHL. The Hurricanes do play the Dallas Stars both at home and on the road, but other than that the Hurricanes face a number of teams who are more in the mix for lottery consideration than playoff contention. At home the Hurricanes also see the Oilers, Rangers and Kings. The non-Dallas road games are Ottawa and Florida.
It is important that the Hurricanes take advantage of the theoretically friendly schedule for the rest of February. The March schedule looks like a gauntlet for some stretches. The team plays five back-to-back sets out of 16 games and also sees a much heavier helping of teams destined for the playoffs.
With Sunday’s loss, the Hurricanes are back to two points out of a playoff spot (adjusted or games played) with the Penguins the closest team. The target should be to enter March at a minimum tied for the last playoff spot and not needing to make up more ground.
What say you Canes fans?
1) What do you think the Hurricanes need to do in the seven remaining games for February to have a real chance come March?
2) What does it take for the Hurricanes to maintain their current high level of play and still be a factor in late March?
Go Canes!
I think the team needs a minimum of 10 points in the next 7 games.
And it’s possible if we show up to play every game with energy.
I agree, we need 9 points minimum out of the next 7 games.
I personally want to see ownership trade a 2nd round pick and one of our prospects for a rental player. The Ottawa bloggers expectations for Stone are pretty modest in terms of returns.
The team doesn’t have to keep a good rental, but I think the time is right to go for it this year, we have a bit of a log jam of promising players in Clt and I think making some noise towards the end of this year will put Carolina on the map for free agents this summer.
Also the salary cap is as friendly as it can be for the remainder of this season, the team can fit any salary. If they can’t resign the player, so be it, they tried.
Also if we pry one of Ottawa’s pending UFAs from them before Tuesday they will be that much easier to play against, plus we save some money on their travel (they can just switch jerseys and catch the team flight down to North Carolina).
Too ad the Canes were not able to grab Dylan Strome from Arizona. The Blackhawks did and he is their new second line center, with 30 points in 32 games.
But trying to pry someone who has lost reputation under organizational problems, primarily in Ottawa, Edmunton or Arizona, could be the best value signing this team could make for next year.
We need to go 7-0 in the remaining 7 games. And we can do it.
Last night Roddy was asked whether the players were aware of the standings and the “what-ifs” involved. Roddy said that they likely are aware of it all, but they must focus on the game they are facing at the moment.
This home stretch will be decided by two things:
1) The courage and character of each player, and
2) Roddy and his staff’s ability to get the team to play their best for 60 minutes per game.
I can hear Roddy’s detractors now. Blah blah no experience. Blah blah weak staff.
If they would only pull their heads out of that dark stinky place and look around the NHL and see other teams. Edmonton hired THE coach for turning teams around; Ken Hitchcock. He did okay for a while. Now? Not so good. LA, Ottawa, Chicago, Dallas, etc. Up and down. Up and down. While my beloved Canes keep trending up.
We needed scoring and some grit. We got Niedereiter. We didn’t want to upset the core, we gave up Victor Rask. Magic? No. Just shrewd horse trading by Tommy D. and Donny W. I know. I know. Tommy D. is evil and Donny W. singlehandedly destroyed the Atlanta franchise.
But so far, I am favorably impressed with both men. Tommy D. has kept his word to improve the fan experience as well as to improve the product on the ice. And Donny W. has done a great job with horse trading.
For the first time in years, this STM fan is having fun.
pwrlss…why the constant concern and belittling statements about comments other contributors make stating their opinions on various issues? Why don’t you concentrate on making your points and leave out the negativity about the opinions of others?
I at the time the announcement of RBA’s selection as coach was concerned about the team hiring another (after Muller and Peters) coach who had no NHL coaching experience. I have been proven wrong on that point by RBA’s results to date and not by pulling my head out of some dark stinky place and have stated so previously on this site. Your demeaning and lousy attitude is not what I come to a hockey site for. I don’t mind people having different opinions from mine. I come to tis site to read other peoples opinions about the fortunes of the Canes. I don’t come here to read a bunch belittling comments about anything I write or that others write.
That being the case this will be my last written contribution to this site and I am withdrawing my monthly financial support to this site.
Dundon and Waddell have done a fine job, and that includes hiring RBA to lead the bench. Under the radar influences like Paul Krepelka (former agent w/expertise in contract negotiating) and Rick Dudley (talented evaluator) has been just what this team needs to make sound decisions.
That said, work is far from over. The deadline is looming and I would not be surprised if we made some unexpected moves, made a splash to improve the top 6, and yes, maybe even solve long-term goaltending.
The remaining schedule will present more challenges. But we have a legit chance.
Adam Gold’s article from Wral is actually a pretty good read into the current situation:
https://www.wralsportsfan.com/gold-taking-stock-of-the-hurricanes/18185169/
The Canes had their share of luck winning 3 road games by playing approximately 3 solid periods, and had to rely on superhero goal tending and clutch scoring, the fact they got that is a big difference from the canes of years past, so thumbs up.
The team is still not one of the best in the league, there are gaps, special teams are a concern, the powerplay in particular.
and I think a record of 3 – 4 and 5 – 2 in the next 7 ames are equally likely.
Let’s just all enjoy the fact this team is ahead of schedule and hope for a free drink from yours truly come first Raleigh playoff game.
We all have different opinions, that’s what makes the community fun. We can state them without demeaning the opinions of others.
I think we all want the CAnes to win, so even the naysayers may enjoy being proven wrong.
The occasional joke is fine, at least I can’t take myself too seriously, but too much jabbing never makes for a good discussion, leave that to the politicians.
Sorry if I offended you, Red. I think it’s fair to characterize my critical comments about the several contributors who have consistently expressed negative attitudes about my beloved Canes management as belittling. I must admit that your point is well taken. I don’t like what I see when I look at myself in that light.
Actually, I didn’t have you in mind when I made these comments today. As i recall you did update your attitude on Roddy and you were never a part of the negative and depressing flow berating Canes management.
I will miss your comments on this site. I have always valued your opinions. I will miss your wisdom and diplomacy.
I hope that you reconsider your decision to leave.
9 points in 7 games would do.