With a big win, the Hurricanes pushed their recent record to 6-1 and their Christmas week home mark to 2-0. In the process, the Hurricanes climbed to five games above .500.
With the Canadiens traveling during the day today as is allowed only coming off the holiday break or in odd circumstances, the Hurricanes had much more jump out of the gate. In dominating the first period, the Hurricanes outshot the Canadiens by a 16-6 margin. Only a strong period by Canadiens goalie Carey Price kept Montreal in the game early. Teuvo Teravainen ended a goal scoring drought dating back to November 19 when he finished after a nice keep in and pass from Justin Faulk. Despite controlling play for the majority of the first period, the Hurricanes were a bit sloppy in terms of attention to detail, but Ward was able to bail out the team in front of him on at least three occasions.
The second period saw the Canadiens play their way into the game and at least a small version of the Hurricanes’ second period woes. The Canadiens picked up the pace and dictated play more, and the Hurricanes had issues managing the puck. The result was a near reversal of the first period. Whereas the first period saw Carey Price doing all he could to keep his team in the game, the second period had Cam Ward with the heavier work load. The Canadiens eventually broke through when Alex Galchenyuk skated through somewhat lackadaisical defense by Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin off the rush and picked a spot beating Ward into the corner of the net off the rush. Both goalies continued their strong play, and the second period ended at 1-1 despite the fact that both teams had accumulated a good number of higher-end scoring chances through two periods.
The third period was a strong one for the Hurricanes on multiple levels. First, the Hurricanes scored on the power play and won the special teams battle (one power play goal scored versus zero given up) on the night, when Sebastian Aho scored on a second rebound after a Staal shot and Lindholm rebound chance. Second, the Hurricanes continued pushing instead of sitting on a 2-1 lead and had least as many good scoring chances as they gave up with the score 2-1. And then the Hurricanes ended things a bit early with an Aho empty-netter to seal the deal.
Notes from the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens
1) Results matter
Wednesday’s game was the second straight home game against a below average team. To the Hurricanes credit the team capitalized on both accounts.
2) Metro challenges
Unfortunately, the Islanders and Rangers who currently sit in the two wild card slots both matched the Hurricanes win on Wednesday, so the Hurricanes did not gain ground on either of the two teams directly above them in the standings. The Hurricanes still sit just two points (adjusted for games played)
3) Potentially underrated solid night from Cam Ward
Cam Ward’s 23 saves on 24 shots faced looks impressive in its own right, but I think he was even better than the relatively light work load would indicate. The Hurricanes puck management was intermittently shoddy, and the result in multiple cases was grade A scoring chances against. Through most of the first period Ward had little to do, but the shots he did face were all good chances. I am on record from early last week as saying that Cam Ward more than any other player right now had the chance to boost the team’s fortunes with a high level of play. That is exactly what is happening right now.
4) Puck management issues
The Hurricanes played well in terms of winning the puck, but the team had a tough night in terms of managing it. Jeff Skinner had a couple ‘iffy’ turnovers. Justin Williams had a few turnovers that are a not a normal part of his game. Noah Hanifin seemed unusually hesitant to push the puck forward with his wheels and had a few defensive zone turnovers from trying unsuccessfully to pass the puck forward. Victor Rask and Elias Lindholm each had a poorly-timed turnover late in the game with the Hurricanes clinging to a 2-1 lead. In total, only a few breaks, strong play by Cam Ward and possibly the Canadiens’ offensive struggles kept the puck management issues from translating to a tough night on the scoreboard.
If the team does not clean up its puck management issues for Friday’s game, the Pens are likely to make the Hurricanes pay with their forward lineup with better transition and finishing skills.
5) Teuvo Teravainen
After Teravaine’s recent, massive scoring outburst, some Canes thought it was a turning point. Instead, it has proven to be just another hot streak. But streaky scoring is not something that should be underappreciated. Here is hoping that Teravainen’s drought-breaking goal triggers his next scoring binge.
6) Key ingredients
The Daily Cup of Joe from earlier in the day featured a short holiday gift list. The top two items on the list were steady goaltending and improved special teams play. The two of those combined can be a powerful force in terms of tilting close games into the win column. Sure enough, the Hurricanes received strong play from Ward and were plus one on special teams. The combination was enough to push the game into the win column despite not catching much for breaks in terms of scoring.
7) Justin Faulk continuation offensively
Though he did not score a goal, Justin Faulk continued his offensive production with a heady assist that saw him first keep a puck in at the blue line, then quickly make a quick move to create a passing lane and then finally put the puck right in Teravainen’s wheelhouse for a goal.
Next up for the Hurricanes is an important divisional battle on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins who are sputtering a bit right now in the 2017-18 season.
Go Canes!
Short version of my take: we’re executing better.
Longer version/explanation:
1. We’re moving more and playing with speed
2. We’re cutting to the net at appropriate times opening the ice…
3. Which means we’re not throwing 75 shots at the net from the half-boards, instead getting quality opportunities
4. We’re learning where the others are on the ice as a result of #2
5. Passing has been on the tapes
6. Gaps, while not consistent, are good
7. Defensive rotations are a $%&T ton better and it shows. There’s a lot more trust from the D that they can pinch with force knowing the high forward has rotated back (Hey Paul Maurice, “that’s hockey baby!” Sorry/not sorry)
8. Net front presence has been great… for us
9. PP movement is exponentially better
We need to see this with consistency. 17 wins nearing 1/2 season doesn’t cut it.
P.S., hoping Ward’s performance elevates compete level of both goalies for second half of season.
I don’t think you’re wrong on any of that. I will say though winning 6 out of 7 is a nice little streak. If we can build on this, maybe buy a piece at the deadline…I’m still fully believing in this team. It’s been a roller coaster ride this season to be sure, but this is ridiculously fun team to watch when they are on their game and they clearly are right now.
Loved being in attendance.
TSA line is clicking–even during second period when Canes were outshot, Aho was making things happen.
Faulk in addition to scoring looks significantly better on D. Lindholm might just be the next player to see a scoring uptick. He made several nice plays in addition to PP goal where he and Staal were doing exactly what folks want–battling at the edge of the crease.
Team looked really fast in first and third periods. Second period wasn’t quite as good, not really poor, just not as solid.
If you had told me three weeks ago that Canes would win 6 of next seven but one loss would be a disaster, I would have signed up.
I think Aho was pushing a little hard to score with his dad in attendance. He should have passed on the 3 on 1.
I saw Faulk shaking his head after Price snagged, a wide open, point shot. Was he mad at Price for catching it or Ryan for not staying in front of Price? Ryan moved across Price as Faulk wound up but kept moving and Price had a clear look at the shot once Faulk let go.
Defensive breakdowns and some awful turnovers really mess this team up. Cam bailed some awful D to D passes and a drop pass (both covered heavily and the passer didn’t look to see if the passee was open).
Good game unfortunately we didn’t make up any ground. Friday’s game is huge. Do we go Cam then Scott for Saturday or vice versa?
He did pass. Once he got it back the D had taken away the seam pass so he could have
A. Passed back to Pesce, and who would you rather have shooting on a 3-1, Aho or Pesce?
Or B. Shot the puck, and look at the replay. He had room. He beat Price. He hit the crossbar. Aho has a good shot. He needs to shoot all day long.
He didn’t pass, he had the puck in decent enough time to pass across. Instead he held the puck until he didn’t any angle of shot. It was even a decent chance by the time Aho let it go. Dropping it back to Pesce would have been better than the crap angle Aho shot from.
In the “results matter” category that was an earned and needed win.
Although a fast paced game, both teams looked a little out of sync after the holiday break. The canes were able to skate off some calories in a morning skate but Montreal needed the first period to do it.
The TSA line looked really good and the fourth line was good on D and controlling possession, but lacks a scoring touch.
The effort was good across the board, aside from a couple lazy defensive plays (one which Gachelnyuk made Hanifin and Lindholm pay for).
Most interesting “hmmm” for me was Faulk’s play to keep the puck in the zone and assist the first goal. It looked very high risk – that was either going to be a good chance our way or an odd man rush the other way. I wonder how Peters will treat that decision behind closed doors. I prefer a style that generates more scoring opportunities (as long as volume and quality tilt our way statistically) but am just not completely sure about that decision in that situation. I think Dahlbeck was the happiest man on the ice when the play went our way.
1) Results will continue to matter even more for the next three games as the Canes have moved back into the playoff battle and need to keep adding points.
2) agreed–see my 1)
3) Cam’s ability/contributions were underrated going into the season, so nothing new.
4) Some issues, but there occurred sporadically. In the bad games this year, most notably Toronto an San Jose, puck management issues seemed to pile up. Last night the team was mostly taking the game to the Canadiens.
5) Teravainen will be streaky, but even when not getting goals, he will regularly be on the score sheet the remainder of the year. He is the one player I am most confident has found the next level.
6) The 0.14 PK at the end will help the stats. My concern here is Peters’ commitment to keeping things the same as long as the team is winning. Dahlbeck is playing his best hockey. But until the late call against Ryan, Dahlbeck took the only penalty. Pittsburgh’s power play is incredibly efficient. It might be time to reinsert Fleury.
7) I see ashevillecaniac’s point in watching the replay. But I think those type of plays are going to happen as Faulk becomes an offensive catalyst from the blueline. IMO the upside is worth it.
That call on Dahlbeck was bogus. Super weak “hook”. I like the sandpaper game he brings and Faulk has played his best few games of the season since having Dahlly next to him. I do not think putting Fleury, who has hit a wall and struggled defensively lately, in against the Penguins offense is a good idea at all.
Apparently if I go to every game we’ll never lose again. And Teuvo will lead the NHL in goals. 5-1 and 3-1 wins with a me in attendance. Woooo!!
The girlfriend’s parents bought us pretty sweet tix (section 127, row R, all the goals scored right in front of us). Fun game to go to, as was the Dallas game when Teuvo scored a hatty. I thought the TSA line was absolutely dominant. Every time they were on the ice it seemed like they were attacking and dangerous, Aho especially. He’s been flying lately. Slavin had a phenomenal game, he looks to really be back, and that late assist was incredible. Might be an underrated play, but the way he looked up, saw Aho behind their D, and sat it down just perfectly inside the line was not an easy thing to do. Faulk also has looked like a different player. I said earlier when he was struggling I thought his defensive game could pick up once the offense came around. It’s a mental thing. Well, the last few games, if you ask me, have definitely looked that way. He thwarted a very good Galchenyuk chance early with an active stick, didn’t get caught out of position like he often does, and didn’t look a step behind the play or slow to catch up to an attacking forward. The assist to Teuvo was a great play obviously, and he had his typical “get it on net” mindset that caused Price to make a few good saves (one or two of which could have found twine if someone had taken away his eyes). Dahlbeck has proven to be a pretty good fit next to him, I think. Hanifin, on the other hand, struggled pretty badly. He and Lindholm did not wall off Galchenyuk on his goal. Lindholm should have forced him outside but Hanifin was there — he had a terrible gap and backed up way too far, allowing Galchenyuk to essentially walk right into the slot and use Noah as a screen to rip it by Wardo. He still is a mess defensively. Whereas the TSA line was always in the offensive zone, Hanifin always seemed to be running around our zone. Skinner had a terrible game, really looked lost out there. Multiple turnovers as mentioned and just played too soft of a game if you ask me. Nothing was crisp, he wasn’t getting pucks deep, and was pushed off the puck far too easily. Both of the middle lines struggled, really, save for McGinn who had a few nice hustle shifts. Nordstrom – Kruger – DiG looked great, though. That late block by Nordy is why he’s probably one of the most loved guys in that locker room. Kid’s got serious cojones. And last but certainly not least… What can we say about Wardo. He was lights out, making multiple fantastic saves that kept the momentum in our corner. If he plays that well against Pittsburgh, I wonder if we’ll see him in STL too… kinda hard to take out a guy that’s red hot. Darling better be building up some motivation from that front row seat of his… keep it up boys!! 17-12-7 don’t look too bad!