The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the New Jersey Devils. With a concerning 1-5 record in their last six games and shaky goaltending from both Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, questions loom about whether this is simply pre-playoff rest or a genuine cause for alarm.
Katie, Erin & I dive deep into the line-up decisions facing Rod Brind’Amour, analyzing how the top line of Aho, Necas, and Jarvis will match up against the Devils, while debating whether Logan Stankoven deserves a spot on the impactful third line with Staal and Martinook. The conversation reveals why Carolina’s 5-on-5 play and possession-driven system could neutralize New Jersey’s transition game, especially with Jack Hughes unavailable.
Perhaps most intriguing is the potential X-factor in recently-signed Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin. At 6’4″ with elite offensive skills and punishing physicality, Nikishin’s impact could be substantial if visa issues are resolved. The panel explores scenarios where the “best player outside the NHL” might slot into Carolina’s line-up, potentially transforming their power play or providing insurance against defensive injuries.
Despite their recent struggles, our experts unanimously predict a Hurricanes victory in 5-6 games, emphasizing that Carolina has legitimate Eastern Conference Finals aspirations if they can rediscover their identity and finishing touch.
00:00:00 Introduction: Canes’ End-of-Season Struggles
00:06:20 Goaltending Concerns Heading into Playoffs
00:08:34 Final Games: Importance and Strategy
00:15:33 Playoff Line-up Decisions
00:23:12 Analyzing the Series: Canes vs. Devils
00:38:01 Predictions and Expectations for the Series
00:43:12 Alexander Nikishin: The X-Factor!
00:53:53 Mailbag Questions and Predictions
00:54:09 What do Canes need to do to get past 2nd round?
00:57:19 Can Svechnikov be a factor?
01:02:17 Off-season Considerations and Future Strategies
01:10:04 Closing Comments: Anticipation for the Playoffs
#canes #hockey #carolinahurricanes #nhl #stormtracker23 #erictulsky #alexandernikishin #rodbrindamour #stanleycup #stanleycupplayoffs #newjerseydevils #sebastianaho
4 Comments
He just got approved for his US visa.
Assuming the Caps get by Montreal or the BJ's is foolish , Columbus just embarrassed them 2 games in a row .
Remember when predictions were the Canes would finish the regular season with 110-115 points. Now, we’re wondering if they can crack 100 points. The inconsistent goaltending, frequent defensive breakdowns, and also inconsistent scoring, are all concerns IMO. Aho and Jarvis have games where they do perform and produce like all-stars, but then too often they go multiple games not producing anything.
Size is another issue. A lot of little guys who get shoved off the puck, and easily knocked to the ice. The entire first line is like that. And they’re not the only little guys. Stankoven, Jost, etc. Plus, a lot of players in the system are smallish (sub 5’10” / sub 180 lbs). Seeing Blake going into a corner digging for a puck with a 6’4” 220 lb defenseman is cringeable, and often ends up with Blake being ragdolled to the ice. Why do the Canes go after high-school sized players in draft / trade activity?
I agree with a lucky goal or bounce helping Svech with his confidence. Blake was on a 22 game goal drought until a puck went off his skate into the net and he has been point per game since