Preseason Gm3 Vs. Was: Brind’Amour shifts to NHL roster early and Canes win 3rd straight over Caps

by | Sep 21, 2018 | The Drive Home

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A quiet emphasis on winning?

A subtle but I think significant story about the Hurricanes game Friday against the Capitals occurred even before the game started when the lineup was posted. Normal timing would see this third game be the final for certain AHLers and prospects to make an impression before a big round of cuts to stock the Charlotte Checkers training camp that starts on Monday. With only eight assigned to the AHL on Friday, the team still has a large roster in tow, but the lineup on Friday was very, very close to what Canes fans will see on opening night. Other than #2 goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, there was not a single player in the lineup who is not at least competing for a spot in the opening day lineup.

At first glance, this could be brushed off as just being a couple days or a game early. One could also just chalk it up to Brind’Amour just wanting to get down to business sooner rather than later. But I actually think this is Brind’Amour sort of quietly playing to win. As I said on Twitter just before the game started:

Brind’Amour would never admit it. And certainly there are other factors at play too. But I strongly believe that as part of changing the team’s mentality and culture, he is taking this opportunity to drive a run of wins.

And win they did.

 

Brief recap

The Hurricanes came out fast and aggressive and completely dominated the first period. The Capitals first even strength shot (which was a goal) came 12:26 into the period. The story from the outset and pretty much throughout the first period was the forechecking, aggressive play and puck possession of the forward group. That single factor has been front and center during each and every strong stretch of Canes hockey this preseason. In allowing only a handful of shots in the first period, the oddity was that the Canes defense was really not asked to do that much, and even less was asked of Petr Mrazek. Important to note is that it is only preseason, but the recipe for success right now is twofold. First is an absolute monster in terms of forechecking and neutral zone tenacity. Second is power play scoring.

The first period saw the Hurricanes emerge with a 3-1 lead. Valentin Zykov scored on the power play from his cubicle at the top of the crease on a pretty play where Andrei Svechnikov fed him not just once but twice for point blank chances. Next Jaccob Slavin fired fortuitously fired a shot off of Jordan Staal’s leg and directly into the net. After a Niclas Backstrom snipe to make it 2-1, Warren Foegele and Jordan Martinook worked together to score shorthanded. Martinook first forced an errant pass. Foegele stepped into the passing lane to intercept. Then Foegele quickly fed Martinook who scored.

After a dominant first period by the Hurricanes, the second and third periods were a bit more standard preseason fare with ‘meh’ at best hockey by both teams and some sloppiness.

After a scoreless second period, the Hurricanes tacked on two more goals in the third period. Jaccob Slavin scored on the back door on the power play on a pretty, soft pass from Zykov who was again working out of cubicle just on top of the crease. Martin Necas then finished the scoring with an empty-netter.

 

Player notes

Valentin Zykov

He handled the puck 5 times from within 10 foot of the net. He had two chances and scored on the second early on the Svechnikov passes. He had two more as the game wore on. And he had the assist to Slavin. Parking in front and either receiving the puck or just generally creating chaos is a tremendous recipe for scoring. Sure enough it paid of to the tune of a goal and an assist.

 

Justin Faulk

I have been incredibly hard on Justin Faulk over much of the past two seasons which makes it important to be objective and give credit where it is due. I thought he played a strong game on Friday and also brought a strong physical element. He had at least three plays where he separated on rushing Caps from the puck at his defensive blue line, and he also had two plays where he uprooted Caps players and dumped them on their butts. His hit in front of the Canes bench was easily the check of the game. Interesting is to consider if it is possible that Faulk looks like a completely different player in 2018-19 playing with a stronger partner such that he has more help.

 

The rest of the defense

The blue line was not taxed much early, but even when pressured more as the game wore on the group in total looked solid. I am on record as liking Slavin/Pesce as a starting point, but the more I watch Slavin/Hamilton the more I consider otherwise. The two together offer a level of skating and agility that the team has maybe not had on a single pairing its history. Another significant note on this was Brett Pesce appearing in his first preseason action. He logged 17 minutes of ice time and did not look out of place which was a encouraging. Finally, Haydn Fleury also had a solid night. Thus far, the blue line looks to be the strength that it was projected to be on paper once assembled during the offseason.

 

Andrei Svechnikov

Svechnikov has occasional issues with puck management that he will need to clean up over time, but the one thing that jumps out to me about his game is how comfortable he looks. His comfort in traffic and under NHL pressure and pace is night and day different than the 18-year old version of Elias Lindholm who often looked overwhelmed and just trying to sort things out fast enough. Also, as compared to my expectations before seeing much of him, the one thing that stands out as different than expected is how good of a passer he is. He found Zykov twice on the power play and had another nice pass to a defenseman coming up behind the play.

 

Finding the way at center

If I had to find a low light, it would be the center position. Sebastian Aho had a second straight ‘meh’ game. After looking reasonably comfortable playing center late in the 2017-18 season, he does not look comfortable doing so right now. He seems to want to carry the puck to the side when the middle of the ice is ‘trafficky’. The result too often is that he is pulling up on the side just inside the blue line. That works okay as a wing with a center filling the middle lane, but as a center if he is crossing the wing to do so, it usually means entering two wide, giving up speed and being too easy to bottle up at the blue line. Martin Necas is also still very much finding his way. He has his moments with the puck on his stick but has not yet been converting it to a bunch of scoring chances for his line mates. Further, as I have touched on a few times, his play as the second or especially third forward in a forechecking situation is still a work in progress.

 

Jordan Martinook

Recently, I have generally bypassed Martinook for younger players with more offensive upside. On Friday, Martinook had a solid game across the board and in the process made a good claim for ice time. In addition, he scored a shorthanded goal to show that he could bring offense to boot. When one works through the list of 5-6 players battling for the last couple roster spots, each and everyone one of them is playing well and making a case.

 

The power play

Hard to say if it if personnel, system, sub-NHL penalty killers or what, but the team’s power play has been lights out so far. The power play was two for five with a bunch of good chances.

 

Warren Foegele

I will finish with a Twitter ode to Warren Foegele that should pretty well capture another strong night that I think almost assures that he sticks for the season opener.

Along the way Foegele also picked an assist on Martinook’s shorthanded goal and Necas’ empty-netter.

 

Up next for the Hurricanes is a few days of practice before preseason game #4 in Nashville on Tuesday.

 

Go Canes!

20 Comments

  1. raleightj
    raleightj on September 21, 2018 at 11:49 pm

    I only caught the last period, plus some tweets. It sounded, from Tripp and John, that Fleury was a beast – from what I saw, I agree. He played with more passion than I had previously seen.

    I would have been more impressed with Martinook’s shorty if he had played it like Stalberg or Staal. But Foegele was in the right place at the right time – will Holtby always make those blunders???

    If net front presence means anything, Zykov has again proved himself at the (near) NHL level regardless of whatever other flaws others describe in him.

    Svech is a deadly passer as well as a shooter.

    The top-4 D look just right together – shutdown + offense. And Faulk is looking better than he has in a couple of years.

    Ned looked ready at least on the back-up side as a NHL goalie.

    Necas’ weaknesses on defensive positioning are more than offset by his speed/power as a skater and his ability to pass and create plays.

    Staal-Williams was better with Kuokk on the wing than McGinn – no loss in D or possession and an improvement in positioning in the O-zone and creating chances there.

    Wallmark still created offense with Martinook and PDG on his wings and was steady as a checking line as well.

    • lessthanstable
      lessthanstable on September 22, 2018 at 12:01 am

      Fluery made his mistakes tonight, but looks a lot more mobile. Losing 15lbs will do that for you. Faulk looks lighter this year as well.

  2. lessthanstable
    lessthanstable on September 21, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    Was able to attend most of the game tonight. My thoughts on individual players.

    Wallmark: Not sure what else you want to see from him. Very solid defensively and held his own on the boards. Very good offensive instincts. Maybe the second best centerman on the team at doing center-like things.

    Martinook: Liked him more than I expected. Good on D and PK. Benefited from Foegele’s opportunistic play.

    DiGuieseppe: He looks much improved to me. Seems more confident. In the past he seemed to try to play like his hair was on fire. He rushed everything. Now he seems confident and makes good plays offensively and defensively.

    Foegele: Continues to make things happen. Seems like he is always in the middle of something. Could play anywhere from 2nd to 4th line IMO. That flexibility makes him hard to cut.

    Aho: A little better than the last game, but not to the standard we expect from Aho. Maybe his linemates weren’t up to snuff. Dunno.

    Zykov: Very good at what he does, which is play down low on offense. Skating is bad. He is slow and avoids pivoting like the plague. Will struggle defensively, but if he can dominate in front of the net like he has the Canes can live with his defensive limitations. It’s not from lack of effort like some forward that was recently traded.

    Svechnikov: Loved his talent, but he kind of got lost 5 on 5. On the first PP you could see that his hockey IQ is very high. Not just a shooter. He knows when to shoot, how hard to shoot, and when to pass. I didn’t notice him much 5 on 5 which was good and bad. No big errors, but didn’t make a lot happen either.

    Teravainen: Not a great game for Turbo. In preseason game #1 there was a lot of room and he and Necas were able to make plays. Tonight, after the first 10 minutes or so, it was a pretty tight game. Turbo looked soft and ineffective. He and Necas together is way too much soft. Back with Aho, IMO.

    Necas: Very disappointed. Lots of skill and skating talent, but looked overmatched in a tight checking hockey game. Soft on the boards and tried to do way too much fancy stuff in traffic. If this is the real Necas he needs a year in Charlotte. I hope he’s a quick learner because the Canes need him. He needs a lot of protection as eh is going to make a lot of mistakes.

  3. ctcaniac
    ctcaniac on September 22, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Thanks again to those who were at or able to watch the game. Based on that second-hand information, I will continue to play armchair GM/Coach.

    I fully trust tj’s sources AND I am not trying to rain on the parade. But if I had to make the decisions today, I would send Necas to Charlotte for tons of ice time (maybe on a line with Saarela and Pu to create the fastest line in the AHL) and let him learn how to dominate games as a center on North American ice.

    Then the Canes can roll with the other five rookies and Martinook. It might prove foolhardy, but based on everyone’s comments and last season, I think Wallmark could be effective as the center on the second scoring line. It also allows the “fourth” line to be used against other teams’ second scoring lines (think Pittsburgh and Toronto).

    Basically it is the lineup I mentioned yesterday with Martinook replacing Necas. Matt, you were concerned about Foegele and McGinn being too forecheck oriented and not actually as good in the defensive zone, but I am closer to lessthan’s position that both Foegele and McGinn can adapt to the role if necessary. Additionally, playing with Martinook their style is not as risky as it would be playing with a rookie C. That is especially true after you comments regarding Foegele from last night. While I agree that Martinook is not significantly better than Kruger offensively, I have little doubt that Foegele and McGinn are a huge offensive upgrade from Nordstrom and Jooris. So that fourth line still can attack–he** Foegele sometimes attacks by himself.

    As far as Aho, I am not worried. He will be fine at C. Though it may be TT benefits Aho as much as the other way around. Matt’s point about Aho not always playing in the center of the ice doesn’t really concern me. Because the thing about TAZ is that while Zykov doesn’t play at all like a center, he does play in the center of the ice in the offensive zone. Last night was at least the third time in his 14 games with Carolina that he scored while being shoved from behind by a defenseman. He is not only a physical presence, but he has amazing balance and hands while being in the middle of a physical battle. His ability to remain in front of the net creates space that will allow Aho and TT to excel. Zykov has proven that he is almost immovable once he gets around the crease–he just gets there and then puts the puck where he wants while taking the best shots from one or two d-men. In effect, Zykov can serve much the same role as Staal did with Aho/TT while (no slight to Staal) being far superior at scoring.

    I can think of few better line mates for Aho to “learn” how to play center than TT and Zykov.

    As difficult as it is going to be for RBA to determine which forwards play, the decision about 6th and 7th defensemen is even tougher. In fact, deciding pairing looks challenging, though at this point it appears a win-win-win.

    One final point since I am playing GM. I would likely still trade Faulk if offered Saad or RNH. But I would have to think twice. If the Canes are going to play hockey like they have in the three preseason games, then I am not convinced they need another scoring forward. The aggressive forechecking style everyone has described seems ideal for young players who want to prove themselves. I am getting much more comfortable with the idea of 5 or even 6 rookies. While Saad is an obvious upgrade from Kuokkanen as is RHN from Wallmark, I am no longer convinced it is worth moving Faulk for one of them given how the alternate captain has been looking.

    • lessthanstable
      lessthanstable on September 22, 2018 at 8:28 am

      I wish I was as confident with Aho at center as you are. He has not looked good. His line isn’t getting anything set up far too often. Zykov can’t do his thing if they don’t get set up. I would like to see Aho, TT and Zykov reunited to see if that sparks Aho’s game.

      Maybe Aho is a slow starter? It also makes me wonder if Aho comes in to camp in peak condition and ready to go. I had heard stories that Lindhom did not and it contributed to his slow starts year after year.

      Well, the pressure is on the young star as if you watched the post game presser the coach flat out said he wasn’t pleased with what he has seen from Aho to date.

  4. jm97
    jm97 on September 22, 2018 at 7:34 am

    I was able to catch the replay on nbc. Several things stood out to me in the game. First the forecheck is stifling. The canes seemed offended if the caps got to center ice and downright angry if they got into their zone.

    Second the team is fast. Skating and fitness were obviously emphasized in the off season. The canes just kept coming and getting 50/50 pucks like 80% of the time.

    Foegele is legit. Speed, toughness and desire every time he is on the ice. Guy just does not stop coming at the other team. Love this kids game.

    Somebody flipped a switch with Faulk. He’s playing D and engaging in all three zones. Great to see his effort and comfort on the ice with de Haan.

  5. darthcanes
    darthcanes on September 22, 2018 at 8:41 am

    I just can’t see how they would send Foegele down. He’s going to quickly become a fan favorite, similar to LaRose or Ruutu.

    I’ve really liked the play of Martinook – he makes a lot of sense as a 4th line wing who will specialize in PK.

    Zykov will be a defensive liability at times (he was worst +/- in Charlotte last year). But he’s also a desperately needed weapon on offense and the PP. He’s like Jeff Skinner, but a better fit for the team as a net front presence who can finish. He might get 25 goals, all from the crease.

    Svech isn’t as flashy as you might expect, but he plays with a calm confidence and he makes really smart decisions with the puck. I’m really curious to see the linemates he starts the year with.

    Really like Wallmark as a center and the more I see of him, more I see the offensive upside. He should be on a second scoring line, not 4th line grinder.

    • lessthanstable
      lessthanstable on September 22, 2018 at 8:46 am

      Difference between Zykov and Skinner is that Zykov’s has physical limitations. Skinner had desire limitations. +1 for Zykov.

  6. dmilleravid
    dmilleravid on September 22, 2018 at 9:55 am

    It’s only Game #3, but it’s not too early to get excited about the enthusiasm and energy we’ve seen on the ice. Maybe it’s the new leadership; or maybe it’s an extremely competitive camp at EVERY position; it’s probably both.

    I agree that we haven’t seen much from Aho or TT yet, but I’m not overly concerned about that when we score 5 goals/game without them. They’ll come around. Aho didn’t score his first goal last season until November.

    Necas hasn’t figured out how to use his skills yet to optimize his “create chances” to “getting into trouble” ratio. When the heavier checking starts in the regular season, he’s going to have to adjust quickly. He is clearly going to be a top-end player but like ct I wonder if a run of games in CLT isn’t going to be more helpful.

    Again, on defense, Faulk has looked remarkably good – everyone has, really. I said last week that if we want defense to be the team strength, then trading Faulk jeopardizes that. While the excellent play across the board, and especially Fleury’s play, who looks much faster and confident – does anyone ever remember him skating behind the opposing goal with the puck on his stick last season? – I think it happened twice last night – might take the sting out of trading him, I’m very happy with a defense that’s allowed only 3 goals in 3 games. Even if a very deserving player has to sit and watch each night.

    Again, it’s only Game #3, but it sure seems like this team has a very different mojo from recent teams. It’s going to be interesting to see what NSH throws at us Tues.

    • dmilleravid
      dmilleravid on September 22, 2018 at 9:57 am

      I should have echoed what everyone else has already said about Foegele and Zykov – they are staying and their skill sets are perfect compliments. And don’t discount PDG yet; he looks much, much better, too.

    • lessthanstable
      lessthanstable on September 22, 2018 at 10:23 am

      I agree about Faulk. If he is going to play like this, why in the world would you trade him? The Canes are thin on PP defensemen anyway. Same goes for Fleury IMO. Good D-men are hard to find. Unless the Canes can acquire an all-star forward I would not let either go.

    • icecobra
      icecobra on September 22, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      I was only able to listen to the game. Our D seems to be pretty impressive. I was originally thinking that Fleury may be in Charlotte this year. After what has been happening TVR might be #7. Both Faulk and Fleury have been impressive. It is so good to see both of them at the level they are playing. I felt it was low probability for trading Faulk and I certainly do not see it now. A supper strong D is probably worth more then a forward.

      I do not see how Zykov(even though I think he is a one way contract?)and Foegele would not be on the team. Both bring things we absolutely need. Same with Walmark. The only players with slow starts are Aho and TT. Not time to worry yet. PDG and Martinook both look strong too. It is going to be very hard to determine who gets sent down.

      This is still pre-mature but I see Pesce, Slavin, Hamilton, de Haan, Faulk, TVR and Fleury as D but do not know if TVR or Fleury is 7. If we go with 14 forwards then my guess is as follows:

      Zykov, Aho, TT, McGinn, Staal, Foegele, Svechnikov, Necas, Ferland, Williams, Wallmark, Kuokkanen, PDG, Martinook. Really tough decision this year for who makes the team.

      Much more to happen yet. There will be adversity and it will be interesting to see how we respond.

      • icecobra
        icecobra on September 22, 2018 at 12:52 pm

        I just realized a problem. I was thinking Rask on long term disability. That puts us underneath cap floor. We need to keep Rask to stay above the cap, which means one less player.

        • dixiecaniac
          dixiecaniac on September 23, 2018 at 9:04 am

          You also left off McGinn and what he adds to the PK unit. This kid has guts and I think RBA and the captain admire this. On a PK in the game he was belted by shot but tough it out. I thought he was done for the night but was out on his next shift. He is the epitome of toughness which we need. As much as I think Kuok is ready I think he as some have said will be first call up.

  7. ashevillecaniac
    ashevillecaniac on September 22, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    Thank you for posting everyone. I only caught a few minutes in the third, but saw what people are saying about Foegele. He brings something unique to the team and will be a fan favorite.

  8. raleightj
    raleightj on September 22, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Matt – when it comes to Faulk I do not think it is a matter of having a stronger playing partner at all. It’s attitude change – part of the culture shift. He came to camp in better shape, is playing with more determination – this is a mature version of the Faulk we saw in his first few years. It’s attitude and grit – I think he was burned out with Peters, and I think that is one of the reasons he was on the trade-block. The way he is playing now is entirely different. O/M/C has to be pleased with this version of Faulk.

  9. breezy
    breezy on September 23, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    That’s exactly why I found the dumping of Mr. Skinner such a horrific move. I think he was more than ready to come back with a lot to prove.
    The canes have already sent the pu to Clt without an audition (or if he auditioned I totally missed it) so clearly the team is not high on him, at least not for this season, granted there were some injuries involved).

    Well, enough of that. The preseason has been entertaining, Skinner is gone and it’s time to move on, the season promises to be interesting.
    I think trying to trade TVR or Fleury plus one of the forward prospects like PDG for extra help at center would be an exciting move.
    Arizona is already dealing with massive injuries on D and Nylander is holding out for a better deal.

    The forwards are promising and can play killer hockey, but the group is a bit too light on NHL experience.

    • raleightj
      raleightj on September 23, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      I disagree with you regarding Skinner. I don’t think that the message that appears to have gotten through to Faulk was going to make the same impression on Skinner. They are different quality players.

      I do agree with you that rather than a “trade Faulk” perspective, trading D6-7,both of whom are showing solid play/promise, seems more reasonable. That said, Faulk’s improved play in the preseason suggests a much higher potential return than TvR or Fleury plus prospects.

  10. raleightj
    raleightj on September 23, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    Today’s practice was the first time Necas had Svech on his wing with Foegele on the left, and Aho and Turbo were reunited with McGinn on the left. I don’t know how they did – I hope we will see these two lines in preseason – but I think these are two lines with tremendous promise.

    Aho may be struggling a bit at center so far if having Turbo on his wing makes Aho a near-elite center then, by all means, put/keep Turbo on his wings.

    I admit to being something of a Necas fan-boy, but I don’t see any reason he and Svech can’t be on the same line if they perform well together on NHL ice.

    And I am coming around on Foegele! LOL!

    It definitely looks like

  11. breezy
    breezy on September 23, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    Hopefully we’ll see these two lines on tue. I am also really curious how they perform.
    I definitely see both lines as potential powerhouses, just a question of how soon.

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