Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Hurricanes on Twitter:
@HB_Canes
The Carolina Hurricanes’ quest for the Stanley Cup begins tonight, as they open their first round series at home against the New York Islanders.
The Hurricanes already had something to prove coming into the postseason this year. They’ve suffered a couple early exits over the last few seasons and despite having just clinched their third straight division title, they’re coming off two straight second-round eliminations.
Then add in the injuries to Andrei Svechnikov and Max Pacioretty, which have been the most important storyline with the team through the back half of the season, and there’s adversity as well. Carolina has had scoring issues and their inability to convert on chances is a legitimate concern heading into the playoffs.
So heading into the series, here are a few key storylines to track for the Hurricanes:
Will any forwards be able to step up? Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas lead the way, but there are a lot of secondary forwards who the team could use more from. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has taken major steps over the last few months, and making an impact in the postseason would go a long way towards him continuing to solidify himself as a key part of the forward group. Meanwhile, Teuvo Teravainen posted his worst production in six years this season and Seth Jarvis’ numbers also took a step back. Either of the two wingers stepping up would be huge for Carolina.
As a result of the lack of scoring, the Hurricanes will likely continue to count on their defense group to carry them forward. While there’s uncertainty up front, the Hurricanes’ blue line is elite. They’ve been a driving force for the team’s offense this season and the group continuing to produce is an absoulte necessity.
Whether or not they’re able to get consistent goaltending will also be key. Antti Raanta is getting the start for Game 1 and was very solid in last year’s postseason, but he hasn’t really even been the team’s starter for much of the two seasons he’s been with the Hurricanes. Then factor in his injury history as well, which is another key. Meanwhile, Frederik Andersen has suffered from a down year and has a track record of letting in bad goals at key times in the postseason, dating back to his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the lack of scoring, there’s not much room for error from Carolina’s goaltenders.
The Hurricanes will be facing a team in the Islanders who just barely snuck into the playoffs, but could still do some damage. The team’s defense group is very solid, plus with Mathew Barzal returning and the addition of Bo Horvat at the trade deadline, along with Ilya Sorokin solidifying himself as a star between the pipes, they’re going to be a tough challenge.
I think the injuries do provide a bit of an excuse for the Hurricanes this season, but there’s still pressure heading into the playoffs, given the recent postseason stumbles. Carolina didn’t have a good end to the year from about mid-March onwards, so it’s going to be interesting to see whether they can overcome adversity and establish themselves as a playoff threat.
QuizMaker
OTHER ARTICLES FROM APRIL
Hurricanes sweep weekend back-to-back, closing in on Metro Division title
Hurricanes blow lead against Senators, rebound for overtime win
Hurricanes shut out by Predators as lack of scoring remains an issue
Hurricanes lose to Sabres, unable to build momentum down the stretch
Hurricanes split back-to-back, hold division lead with one game remaining
Canes beat Panthers to clinch Metro, will face Islanders in first round 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»