Possible informal event note: I am considering rounding up a group for an informal watch event at Bond Brothers brewery in/near downtown Cary for Thursday’s game against the Islanders.
First is to get an informal headcount to see if/how many would attend. If you are a yes or a maybe for watching the game with other Canes fans at Bond Brothers on Thursday, please RSVP either via comments below, Twitter, website comment form or email to canesandcoffee at gmail dot com.
The tentative plan is to make a go/no go decision on this by Wednesday.
Despite the less than perfect ending with an overtime loss the Blackhawks, last week was clearly a success with a 2-0-1 record that took the Hurricanes from a game below .500 to a game above .500.
And just like that the roller coaster has lurched back upward. Fifteen games into the 2017-18 season, the Hurricanes are just tiny bit below where the started the season when everyone was 0-0 at the starting gate. The standings are misleading because of the Hurricanes deficit in games played, but if one uses games or points above .500 to adjust for games played, the Hurricanes are +1 and the cut line for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference right now has two teams tied for the eighth and final playoff spot at +2.
Timing is right to go ‘half full’ on a Monday. Today’s Daily Cup of Joe is entitled, “Carolina Hurricanes’ current trends upward.” And the Monday Coffee Shop polls and discussion will similarly take the opportunity presented to lean positive.
Carolina Hurricanes polls
Please remember to click ‘vote’ after each individual poll response.
Loading ...
Loading ...
Discussion questions
1) What changes do you anticipate on the power play? What effect do you think they will have?
2) If you could name only two positive trends with the team right now, what would they be?
3) Looking out 1-3 weeks, what is the next big positive story that you predict for the team?
Go Canes!
1. No comment. Haven’t given it enough thought. Will make a generic replace Roddy comment because I have nothing more constructive to add.
2. Goal tending seems to be trending up. Even with 4 goals against Chi. Darling made a lot of tough save.
Also Hanifin has looked great. Canes country just posted a deeper dive into his advanced stats that confirms my assertion he is trending in the right direction and could be our best defender by years end.
3. I think the Canes slowly gain ground and slide into a wild card spot. If they win most of their games in hand, this should be possible.
Just noticed my points for 2 were covered in today’s other post. I should probably start reading that first. Oops.
Last year team was fun to watch. This year its painful to see us give points away.
Has anyone seen Justin Faulk??
1. Some personnel changes are likely. The lack of a creative, #1 center affects the power play as much as or possibly more than 5 on 5. Aho getting going will do wonders. Has to happen soon, he’s too good to stay playing at this level for much longer.
2a. Goal tending. The Canes now have a bonafide #1 goalie. Ward will have his ups and downs but I’m ok with him in the backup role.
2b. More young, talented defensemen who are capable of being more than just emergency fill-ins. Not only does it help in the immediate term, it provides additional opportunities in the trade scenarios that are sure to come at some point.
3. Agree with eric, slowly gaining ground and in the discussion for a wild card spot heading into the holidays. I only see two what I would call bad teams in the East; Sabres and Panthers and maybe 5-6 good teams; Lightning, Leafs, Senators, Blue Jackets, Penguins and Caps. That leaves eight teams in the middle fighting it out until the end. The Canes will be in the battle and the only thing that I fear is an extended injury or injuries to any of the offensive leaders. They cannot afford to lose Skinner, Staal, Lindholm or Aho (no matter how they’ve struggled to date) for any extended period of time. Injuries are a part of the game but they’re already thin up front and less able to absorb a loss than some of their competitors.
1. Rod being replaced (from PP)
2. McGinn has been the best balanced forward (offense /defense.
3. Nothing…but it’s about time a couple NON-PERFORMERS GET TRADED…ie Rask, Aho, Lindholm!
1. I’d expect personnel changes. Staal and Lindholm need to get off the PP team. Im not sure of what good it will do but change doesn’t hurt. I voted other. Trade faulk for a skilled forward. McKeown plays on the PP. both positives for the team.
2. McGinn and Fleury.
3. The most positive headline would be continue the point streak and claw up the standings. Also hope teams like the Devils, Islanders and Rangers play like they were predicted and fall below the mendoza line. Metropolitan is the only division without a team at or below .500. The Canes need to drum up fan support with weeks of solid hockey.