Game #32 Preview: Hurricanes vs Flames

 

Hurricanes (23-7-1) vs Flames (17-9-6)

The Hurricanes got five days off between their last game against Columbus. And this game versus Calgary. In the last four games Carolina has played, they have won. Meanwhile, Calgary is coming off back-back losses in Florida against the Panthers and the Lightning. Two teams seemingly going in opposite directions square off in their second matchup of the season.


Previous Meeting

The last game between Carolina and Calgary was in the Saddledome last month. Carolina won 2-1 in overtime in a game where Calgary dominated the majority of the game. Calgary will look to play that way again versus Carolina tonight. The Canes will need a better effort at home facing this Flames team if they want a good chance to win tonight.


Aggressive Pressure is a double-edged sword for Carolina

Carolina came back from 4-0 down last game against Columbus to win 7-4. But the primary reason why the Canes went down 4-0 in the first place is because of over-aggression in pinching, and three forwards getting caught in deep. 3 of Columbus’ 4 goals came off the rush, never mind the other odd-man chances Columbus created because of Carolina players getting caught in the offensive zone. Rod Brind’Amour likely made this a key teaching point in the five days off. Carolina’s biggest strength is its aggressive forecheck. It leads to a lot of chances and goals for the Canes. However, this style can also lead to a lot of chances against off the rush if the forecheck and defensemen over-commit. It will be interesting to see how the structure of Carolina’s aggressive forecheck is tonight.


Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s Rise

The Kotkaniemi signing made some heads scratch across hockey (not this one). But Carolina and Kotkaniemi have seemingly proven those people wrong (up to this point). Kotkaniemi has scored 7 points in his last five games, with more ice-time being given to him due to covid and injuries. Kotkaniemi’s impact has been felt all season long. He is second on the Canes with a 62% Corsi (Via Moneypuck.com). Kotkaniemi has produced 15 points in 31 games with limited ice-time. And only 3 of those 15 points have been on the power-play. Kotkaniemi’s play has risen with his ice-time. And he will only get better from here.


Projected Lines

Niederreitter-Aho-Teravainen

Svechnikov-Trocheck-Fast

Kotkaniemi-Staal-Necas

Lorentz-Stepan-Jarvis


Slavin-DeAngelo

Skjei-Pesce

Cole-Bear


Andersen

Raanta


What the Analytics Predict

MoneyPuck.com gives Carolina a 61.7% chance of winning tonight.


Players to Watch

Sebastian Aho’s hot streak in December was cut short due to getting covid. But his play has been at a superstar echelon in the past month. Scoring 14 points in his last 8 games since the start of December. He will be the key player for Carolina if they want to burn the Flames once again.


Johnny Gaudreau has been one of the elite play drivers in the NHL for most of his career. Calgary’s top line of Tkachuk-Lindholm-Gaudreau has been one of the best in the NHL. That line, led by the play of Gaudreau. Will be Calgary’s key to pulling off the road win.

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