The Hurricanes got off to a great start and were controlling the play early. As the game went along, however, the momentum started to shift a bit and by the third period, it was the Panthers who were pressing. While the Hurricanes weren’t allowing chances early on, defensively, things also went downhill as the game progressed.
Carolina seems to have an issue defensively right now. The Hurricanes have allowed at least three goals in each of their last nine games, with a total of 32 goals allowed over that period. Jake Bean hasn’t adjusted well defensively and Brady Skjei is also having issues. Then Dougie Hamilton’s rough start doesn’t help things (though he was good yesterday) and while Jake Gardiner has been better, he still had the turnover that led to the overtime winner. It’s not solely on the defensive group, as goaltending has been shaky but there are still some issues to address.
Alex Nedeljkovic was decent for the most part and didn’t have much of a chance the majority of goals allowed. However, that third goal just can’t go in.
It wasn’t a bad effort overall and the Hurricanes were arguably the better team for most of the game but defensive mistakes and an untimely, weak goal made the difference.
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Is it time for the Hurricanes to do what it takes to find an upgrade in net?
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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