Canes Corner | Carolina Hurricanes podcast from 99.9 The Fan

The Canes final regular season game was a gong show of a 7-5 loss to the Senators. They always say that hockey is a game of runs (actually, no one says that.) The Sens scored the first three goals in the first period. Then the Canes scored twice before the period ended and three more times early in the second. In all, the five goals came in a 8:59 stretch spanning the 1st and 2nd periods. But Ottawa scored 4 times in a penalty-filled 3rd and the Canes have closed the season with 3 straight losses and a stretch that has seen them win just once in their last eight (1-6-1). In this episode we talk goaltending, the importance of Andrei Svechnikov and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a sneaky resurgent Dimitri Orlov and I lay out what I believe will be the forward lines starting Easter Sunday. 

The Canes left seven of their best players in the press box and lost the penultimate game of the season, 4-2, to the Canadiens. The win clinched a playoff spot for Montreal as the Hurricanes have now won just once in their last 7 games (1-5-1). Carolina dressed four players called up from the minor leagues including Skyler Brind'Amour - the head coach's son (duh) - who made his NHL debut, as well as top prospect Bradly Nadeau. The leading rookie goal-scorer in the AHL with 30, who played in his first NHL game at the end of last season, helped set up a Tyson Jost goal and made it 3-2 late in the 3rd period and played an otherwise very good game. Defenseman Dominic Fensore also impressed in his NHL debut. Taylor Hall scored the Hurricanes first goal. In this episode, Nick Bass who runs the CanesProspect feeds on both X and BlueSky joined me to discuss the young guys and Jackson Blake. 

The Canes closed out their home schedule with a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.  Carolina played a great first period, but trailed 1-0 after a Pontus Holmberg goal.  From there Toronto took the game over.  Only Sebastian Aho's 3rd period power play goal kept Joseph Woll from a shutout.  Inside, I discuss the disappoiintment of Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina's goaltending and the possible approach to the final two games of the season.

The Canes dominated the first 45 minutes against the Rangers, jumped out to a 5-1 lead and went on to win, 7-3.  The win snaps a 4-game losing streak and eliminated New York from playoff contention.  The top line of Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Jackson Blake combined for 7 points (2g, 5a), all coming as the Canes jumped out to a 3-0 lead.  Mark Jankowski's 8th goal with the Hurricanes made it 4-0.  Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven also scored and Pyotr Kochetkov made 28 saves for just his second win in his last 6 starts.  We talk about the game, the arrival of defensive prospect Alexander Nikishin and what the forward group could look like come playoff time.

Canes lost a see-saw game in Washington, 5-4, in a shootout. The Canes scored twice in the 1st period to lead 2-0. But, the Caps got a power play goal late in the opening period, then another early in the second to draw even. Then two goals in about 30 seconds late in the 2nd put the Capitals two goals ahead. Carolina, however, would fight back with Jordan Martinook making it 4-3 less than 5 minutes into the third. Then, Seth Jarvis made a great defensive play to prevent an empty net goal and finished a Sebastian Aho pass at the other end forcing overtime. Jackson Blake scored his 16th goal of the season and has 7 points (5g, 2a) in his last 7 games. 

Carolina couldn't figure out a way past former Hurricanes goalie James Reimer and were shut out 3-0. It was their 3rd straight loss - all on the road - and they've scored just 4 goals in the three games. Pyotr Kochetkov wasn't the problem, but he also wasn't the solution. He's lost 4 of his last 5 starts while allowing 21 goals on 110 shots for a save percentage of .809. We discuss the impact this could have on Carolina's postseason - whether or not Kochetkov plays in the playoffs. It also hasn't been a great stretch for Carolina's top defensive pairing of Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns and they were at least partially responsible for 2 of the 3 goals. 

The Canes dropped a 5-1 decision in Boston to a Bruins team that had lost 10 in a row.  David Pastrnak had a hat trick while former Hurricanes forwards Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm each scored.  Jeremy Swayman made 39 saves for the winners.  Frederik Andersen allowed 5 goals on 26 shots and saw his 7-game winning streak come to an end.  It was a tough game for Carolina's best players as Jaccob Slavin -- as well as his defensive partner Brent Burns -- was a -5.  Sebastian Aho was a -3 and his linemates were held off the scoresheet as well.  Jesperi Kotkaniemi left the game midway through the 2nd period with an undisclosed injury and will be re-evaluated on Sunday.  The only plus was the first career goal for rookie Justin Robidas.  

The Red Wings scored twice within 30 seconds - TWICE - and handed the Canes a 5-3 loss. Carolina's winning streak ends at 3. Pyotr Kochetkov has now allowed 18 goals on the last 92 shots he's faced. And, while it would be hard to categorize any of the four goals he allowed tonight as "bad goals", his lack of confidence is evident in his movement and inability to read plays. We discuss the problem Kochetkov's play presents for the team - even as Frederik Andersen has been spectacular over his last 8 starts. We talk briefly about the red hot Jackson Blake, who scored his 15th goal of the season. And we get into Andrei Svechnikov, his absence, and how much the Canes need him at his best. 

The Canes clinched a playoff spot for the 7th straight year beating the Washington Capitals, 5-1. Carolina scored 3 power play goals, two from Jackson Blake and another by Seth Jarvis. Sean Walker and Logan Stankoven added the other goals. Frederik Andersen continues to play well as he's won 7 straight games, allowing 7 straight games, allowing just 10 goals and compiling a .940 SV%. The only downside to tonight's game was the loss of Andrei Svechnikov, who left with an upper body injury in the 2nd period. The game featured 142 penalty minutes and each team was awarded 4, 10-minute misconduct penalties. Should be a blast at Washington next Thursday. Alex Ovechkin scored his 39th goal of the season - the 892nd of his career - in the 2nd period. That moves him just two goals behind Wayne Gretzky for 1st on the all time list. 

It wasn't how Rod Brind'Amour would draw it up, but the Canes beat the Islanders, 6-4, in a game that had everything.  Mark Jankowski and Logan Stankoven scored 13 seconds apart early in the 1st period to put Carolina up 2-0.  But, from there it was a goalie gong show for both teams.  Seth Jarvis scored twice.  Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists. Dimitri Orlov had the GWG.  The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 2.  

Taylor Hall and Frederik Andersen paced the Hurricanes to a bounce-back, 4-1 win over Montreal on Friday night. Hall's 4th power play goal in the last 6 games put the Hurricanes in front to stay and Jackson Blake posted a 3-point night, the first of his NHL career. Blake's goal, which caromed in off of two different Montreal skates, and evened the score immediately after Josh Anderson gave the Habs the lead inside of the first 30 seconds. Andrei Svechnikov returned after missing the last 7 games and had a physical impact in the game and then added an empty net goal for the final marker. In this episode, after a few opening thoughts, we do a Q and A. We're back, full on, this Sunday following the game with the Islanders. 

The Canes did everything BUT SCORE in their 3-1 loss to Nashville.  Juuse Saros made 34 saves to keep the Hurricanes from their 2nd straight win.  Taylor Hall's 2nd period power play goal was the only marker for Carolina.  Hall has scored the Canes' last 4 goals and has 3 power play goals in the last 5 games.  In this episode, we get into the many scoring chances created and why that's a positive not a negative in spite of the result of the game.  Then we get into Carolina's goaltending tonight which wasn't nearly good enough on the part of Pyotr Kochetkov.   

Taylor Hall had a 3rd period hat trick and Frederik Andersen's 35 saves boosted the Canes to a 5-2 win over the Ducks in Anaheim.  Carolina closes out their 4-game road trip with a 3-1-0 record and moves 10 points from wrapping up a playoff spot.  Hall's 3 goals added to goals from Mark Jankowski -- yeah, it's wild that he keeps scoring -- and Jordan Martinook as the new editions continue to pile up points.  In this edition, we talk about Andersen's exploits and what it means for the Canes playoff future, the new guys and why they're better than whatshisname that was shipped off to Dallas, and what was the key to the win over the Ducks.  

The Canes' 8 game winning streak is over.  They got blown out in L-A, 7-2.  The game was over after falling behind 3-0 in the first period.  Then the Kings scored 3 times in a 2:43 span of the early part of the 2nd.  Dimitry Orlov and Mark Jankowski scored for Carolina.  For Jankowski, it was his 5th goal since coming over from Nashville at the trade deadline.  For reference, Mikko Rantanen has played 20 games since leaving Colorado and he's scored just 4 goals (2 each with the Canes and Stars).  In this episode we talk about the loss (briefly), then talk about the 8-game winning streak and we look ahead to the playoffs and which players might have to sit when the Hurricanes are fully healthy.

Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots, Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Sean Walker all scored, and the Hurricanes beat San Jose, 3-1. The Canes are now 8 points clear of the Devils for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Topics covered in this episode include Carolina's stellar goaltending of late - from both Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov. I also get into the play from the blue line, specifically Alternate Captain America, Jaccob Slavin. But the offense was driven by the Canes top line as Sebastian Aho, Jackson Blake and Seth Jarvis were all over the game. 

Pyotr Kochetkov made 26 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season, and Mark Jankowski scored twice as the Canes iced the Flyers, 5-0, in Philadelphia.  It was Carolina's 7th straight win and helped them open up an 8-point lead over New Jersey for the 2nd spot in the Metropolitan division standings.  Sebastian Aho opened the scoring in the 1st period pouncing on a loose puck for his 25th goal of the season.  Jankowski's first of 2 goals tonight came with just over 4 minutes left in the opening period and came off a great feed from Eric Robinson.  Jankowski would make it 4-0 in the 2nd period -- also thanks to an incredible chip pass from Robinson -- making it the second time since being acquired last Friday that he's scored twice in a game.  Taylor Hall scored a power play goal and Scott Morrow closed out the scoring with his first career NHL goal.  So, if you're scoring at home.  The Canes scored 5 times, including a power play goal, AND they won a goaltender interference challenge.  It's a sign!  

Seth Jarvis scored shorthanded and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 23 shots as the Canes beat the Lightning, 4-1.  Carolina has won 5 straight games -- the longest winning streak since Carolina won 8 in a row back in November.  Kochetkov has won 4 straight starts, Jarvis has scored in 3 straight games, Jack Roslovic scored his 20th goal of the season, Jordan Martinook notched his 12th and Sean Walker scored a goal for the first time in more than 3 months.  Walker had gone 41 games without a goal.  Carolina improves to 39-22-4 on the season and their 82 points are currently 3rd best in the Eastern Conference.

The new Canes beat the old Jets, 4-2, at Lenovo Center on Sunday night.  After the roster was shaken up for a second time this season, Carolina saw the two new editions provide the first three goals of the game.  Mark Jankowski, acquired from Nashville for a late round draft pick, scored twice and Logan Stankoven, the player Carolina got back in the Mikko Rantanen deal, provided the third.  Stankoven's 10th of the season came on the power play (shocked face emoji) early in the 3rd period.  Seth Jarvis added an empty net goal.  Frederik Andersen was great, stopping 20 shots, but making several big saves at crucial times, especially late in both the first and second periods.  The Canes have now won 4 straight for the second time since the new year.  

Six weeks after the Canes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche they traded him to the Dallas Stars.  After 13 games featuring 2 goals, 6 points and one declined offer of an 8-yeaer contract extension Carolina decided to end their pursuit of the high-scoring forward and sent him to Dallas for Logan Stankoven and four draft picks.  How did we get here?  What does it mean?  Did Carolina get a sufficient reeturn?  

The Canes took advantage of three fortunate breaks and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 32 shots as they beat the Bruins, 3-2. Sebastian Aho scored shorthanded in the 1st period as he intercepted a poor pass from Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei. Brent Burns' 5th goal of the season - in the 2nd period - caromed off the stick of a Boston defender as the Hurricanes took a 2-1 lead early in the 2nd. And Seth Jarvis' game-winner with 18.6 seconds left came as the result of a failed clearing attempt as Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov's stick broke and the puck just drifted to Jarvis in the high slot. But, the star tonight was Kochetkov, who stopped Boston star David Pastrnak 7 times, including a second period breakaway. The win was Carolina's 3rd straight and it moved them 6 points ahead of New Jersey in the race for 2nd place in the Metro. 

Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal each scored as the Canes beat the Red Wings, 2-1, in Detroit. It was Carolina's 2nd straight win and their first on the road in 5 weeks. Frederik Andersen made 24 saves to snap a personal 4-game losing streak as the Canes saw their lead over the Devils increase to 4 points - with a game in hand - after New Jersey fell in Dallas. For the second straight game, the Hurricanes probably should have scored significantly more than the two goals they did. But, when you have Jaccob Slavin on your team, you can make it work. Carolina's star defenseman was the game's best player - again. 

The Canes beat the Flames, 2-1, in overtime as Sebastian Aho registered his 5th overtime game winning goal of the season.  The Hurricanes have five OT wins this season and all have come courtesy of their top centerman.  Jaccob Slavin and Jackson Blake each had 2 points on the night, Slavin's 6th goal of the year -- from Blake -- came with about 30 seconds left in the 2nd period and gave Carolina a 1-0 lead.  The pair each has assists on Aho's 23rd goal of the season.  Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 15 of 16 shots in the win, his second over the Flames this year.  On the down side, the Canes were 0 for 6 on the power play and have gone 5 for 65 with the man advantage since the calendar turned to 2025.  NOTE: Discussion on the Mikko Rantanen conundrum immediately after the second commercial break.

The Canes spotted the Oilers a 2-goal lead after 40 minutes -- just like they did in October in the 1st meeting -- but this time they couldn't get the second goal and lost, 3-1.  The Hurricanes went 1 for 4 on the power play, the first 3 of those coming in the 1st period.  On their first try, they allowed a shorthanded goal when Adam Henrique' was able to get to the front of the net and redirect the puck past Frederik Andersen.  Carolina did get a Sebastian Aho power play goal in the 3rd period to make the score 2-1.  But, they couldn't find their way to a second goal as Mikko Rantanen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic each had great chances to even the score.  Then, inside the final minute, Aho took a pass from Seth Jarvis and was in alone on Edmonton's Calvin Pickard, but his breakaway chance was denied by a great blocker side save and the Canes went on to lose for the 6th time in their last 8 games.  

Canes have a "whale" of a time in 5-2 win over Buffalo. 

The Canes lost their 2nd straight game, 4-0, in Montreal. Carolina fell behind 2-0 after the first period, then allowed power play goals in both the 2nd and 3rd periods in the loss. The Hurricanes are 3-5-1 since the acquisitions of Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall. They've scored just 22 goals in those 9 games and 7 of them came against Utah in the final game before the 4 Nations Face Off break.