Chronological Blog List
First impressions of new Canes after 10 games
I might/might not write a more detailed version of this an article for individual players but figured I would lead with quick thoughts after 10 games. Important to note is that the I do not consider 10 games enough to make any kind of final assessment. A good, recent...
Gm10 @Fla: All good things must come to an end; Canes drubbed 5-2 by Florida Panthers
For those focused on the results level of the scoreboard and 9-0-0 record entering Saturday's game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday' s 5-2 loss might have been a bit of a surprise, especially against a Panthers team missing probably its best player in Aleskander...
Meeting the measuring stick in Florida
Through nine games the Carolina Hurricanes are a perfect 9-0-0. Two more wins would set an NHL record for wins to start a season which would be an impressive record to claim. But standing in the way are two games against the cream of the of the crop (along with the...
Gm9 @Chi: Canes trending downward but still good enough to go 9-0-0
On Wednesday night in the Windy City, the Hurricanes again were good enough for a win which makes the team a perfect 9-0-0. The positive spin is that this team is good enough to win on lesser nights. The negative is that the team is trending downward over the past few...
The path forward for Seth Jarvis
After seven games waiting and watching, an injury to Nino Niederreiter finally opened the door for Seth Jarvis to make his NHL debut. Jarvis had a strong first game overall and was very active offensively, especially when considering that he logged only 10:01 of ice...
What is working?
Inevitably the long 82-game NHL season will offer some ups and downs for the 2021-22 Carolina Hurricanes. But through eight games, the team is a perfect 8-0-0 which suggests (rightfully I believe) that Hurricanes are a very good hockey team and have the chance to be a...
Gm8 Vs. Ari: Canes squeak out 2-1 win over Arizona to stay perfect at 8-0-0
In a Halloween matinee, the Hurricanes remained perfect on the season with a 2-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes. It took a power play goal inside of three minutes to play to pull out the win. My notes follow. 1) Less impressive but maybe good for the process On...
Gm7 Vs. Chi: Canes win wild on 6-3 over Blackhawks to go to 7-0-0
On Friday night, the Hurricanes won a spirited game over the Blackhawks by a 6-3 margin. The wild game saw six goals scored in the first period, a rare fight and group meetings in both penalty boxes. Whether it was because the Hurricanes ran out of a four-goal lead or...
Gm6 Vs. Bos: Canes pass bigger test in running streak to 6 wins by besting the Bruins
Against a tougher test on Thursday, the Canes were again up to the task. I would not make too much of an October win against a team that played the night before and traveled, but staying grounded aside, Thursday's 3-0 win against the Boston Bruins would be a candidate...
Weekend wishes and watch points
Wednesday was another rough day for the NHL at large with the release of the results from the investigation of sexual assault of a young player by a Blackhawks video coach. That it happened is horrible. How the NHL is addressing/not addressing it is worse. There will...
Subtle but significant
Today's Daily Cup of Joe offers a couple subtle but significant changes in the Hurricanes from a few different categories. 1) Net front friendly The Hurricanes power play has improved significantly over the past couple years. No doubt Brind'Amour and the...
Gm5 Vs. Tor: Canes run season-opening streak to 5 with 4-1 win or Maple Leafs
Toronto scored first, and the Hurricanes were unable to dial up the finishing despite playing well and generating chances early. The possibility of it just not being the Canes night finally seemed possible early. But the Canes then exploded for three goals in the...
Room for improvement despite 4-0-0 start
One might figure that the Hurricanes have been firing on all cylinders to start the 2021-22 season based on the perfect 4-0-0 start, but I actually do not see that as being the case. On the offensive side of the puck, the Hurricanes have been finishing at a high rate...
Gm4 @Clu: Canes stay perfect with 5-1 win over Columbus Blue Jackets
On the one hand, I really do not think the Hurricanes are playing their best hockey yet. No doubt there are many positive elements, but sloppiness is being covered up a bit too much by Frederik Andersen. On the other hand, the decent not great version of this team is...
Gm3 @Mon: Former Canadiens Aho and Kotkaniemi lead way in Canes 4-1 win
On Thursday night in Montreal, the Hurricanes won a fun one over the Canadiens. Jesperi scored his first goal as a Hurricane in the midst of a night of being booed. As I said on Twitter, I get it but still think it is unfortunate that he will become the focal point of...