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Hurricanes need more secondary scoring |
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With 24 games to go in the season, the Carolina Hurricanes currently sit one point outside of the playoffs and if this team is going to get there, they’re going to need more secondary scoring.
As of now, the bulk of Carolina’s offense from forwards is based on the production of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen. The Hurricanes’ big-three have met expectations— but the same can’t be said about the rest of the forward group.
Martin Necas has been very good in his rookie season but he’s probably been the top forward aside from Aho/Svechnikov/Teravainen. Warren Foegele has taken a big step from where he was in his rookie season, so no complaints with him either. Ryan Dzingel has been fine and completely on par with expectations. He’s on pace for about 42 points in 82 games.
But as you continue to look down the roster, Carolina just isn't getting enough offense. Jordan Staal, ranked second on Carolina’s payroll, is on pace for just 10 goals and 28 points this year. Lucas Wallmark has shown improvements but has gone 10 games without a point. Erik Haula has had a season of ups and downs but has just two points in his last 13 games. Nino Niederreiter has just five points in his last 18 games. Justin Williams has cooled off after his hot start. Brock McGinn isn’t producing.
The Hurricanes need some help for Aho, Svechnikov and Teravainen. I don’t know if this means adding someone at the deadline or calling up the likes of Julien Gauthier or Janne Kuokkanen, who have both been great in Charlotte. Neither situation is overly likely.
Carolina has a skilled and well-rounded forward group but aside from their big-three, they haven’t shown it much this season. If they’re going to find themselves playoff spot, they need some secondary scoring.
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