Carolina Hurricanes Player Power Rankings: Stempniak An Early Season Surprise
After one week of NHL action, these are CardiacCane’s player power rankings of the Carolina Hurricanes.
If you were to be told that the Carolina Hurricanes scored 13 goals in their first 4 games, you would probably be very surprised. This team was one of the worst at scoring and needed to improve the offense. It would be amazing if they improved that fast. You might even think they’d have a winning record in that stretch.
What if you also heard they would give up 14 goals in that stretch, you would be even more shocked. A Bill Peters team doesn’t just give up 3.5 goals per game. You know the goaltending isn’t stellar, but after two years of defensive minded hockey, you’d assume 14 goals against in 4 games was crazy talk.
Here is the kicker, what if you were told they blew two straight three goal leads in two games? That would be almost impossible statistically, right? Well, leave it to the ‘Canes to surprise their fans in the most surprising ways possible.
The week ended at even .500 for the Carolina Hurricanes, but it could have been a lot better. Despite the cringe worthy results, lots of players shined for the Hurricanes. Here are the top 10 players currently on the Carolina Hurricanes roster.
The Best of the Canes: 1-3
1
Lee Stempniak
4GP, 3G, 2A
Last week: 3G, 2ALast rank: -
Arguably the best free agent signing anywhere, the journeyman NHLer Stempniak has found a home on the Carolina Hurricanes’ top line. With 51 points last season, many expected the 33 year old to be a consistent offensive presence, but didn’t expect him to roar out of the gate as he has. The chemistry between Stempniak and his linemates Victor Rask and Jeff Skinner is very apparent. If there was one thing we learned this week about the ‘Canes, it is to not touch this scorching hot line.
Jeff Skinner
4GP, 2G, 3A
Last week: 2G, 3ALast rank: -
Skinner has been the catalyst for the ‘Canes offense so far this season. Ever since Eric Staal was trade, the winger has been a difference maker. That momentum has clearly carried on into this season. While the play in his own end can leave something to be desired, his effort in the offensive has more than made up for it. It will be fun to see him wear an ‘A’ in the home opener.
Victor Rask
4GP, 3G, 2A
Last week: 3G, 2ALast rank: -
With every game, Rask seems to get better and better. Even though he is labelled as a 3rd/2nd line center, Rask continually produces at both ends of the ice as the number one center. The addition of Stempniak has really helped his game, as they seem to already have good chemistry. Also, two of his goals this week were pure snipes.
The Middle of the Pack: 4-6
Jaccob Slavin
4GP, 1A
Last week: 1ALast rank: -
The former 4th round pick bounced between pairings until settling in with Brett Pesce against Edmonton and Calgary. Defensively, Slavin has been playing near flawlessly. He has been able to strip pucks and get them out of the zone clean on what seems like ever shift. The points will come if he keeps this up.
Jordan Staal
4GP, 1G
Last week: 1GLast rank: -
Through 4 games, Jordan Staal is 68% in the faceoff circle, which is incredible over that long a stretch. Jordan just needs to find some wingers to help on offense, because, right now, he is just about carrying the Carolina Hurricanes 2nd line.
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Eddie Lack
2GP, 3.00GAA, .895
Last week: 3.00GAA, .895Last rank: -
The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Lack was responsible for saving a point in Vancouver and held the team together in Calgary. If the defense in front of him can tighten up even just a little, Lack’s numbers will rise quickly. He should be the starter going forward.
The Others: 7-10
Justin Faulk
4GP, 1G, 3A
Last week: 1G, 3ALast rank: -
In the other team’s zone, its the same as it ever was for Justin Faulk. He continues to be a dynamic offensive d-man. However, his play in his own end directly resulted in 2 goals for Calgary, 1 in Vancouver, and quite a few opportunities in the other games. Faulk needs to focus on his own end first.
Sebastian Aho
4GP, 3A
Last week: 3ALast rank: -
While the other rookies around the league tear it up, Aho has quietly amassed 3 assists in his first 4 games and should have probably scored his first career goal on a few occasions. He does looks a timid on the ice, but the as the more confident he gets, that will go away. His assist in Calgary was particularly impressive.
Teuvo Teravainen
4GP 2G
Last week: 2GLast rank: -
Despite scoring twice in 4 games, Teravainen has gone largely unnoticed in his Carolina career. On the powerplay, his vision and skill has certainly helped thrust the Hurricane’s man advantage to new heights, but 5 on 5, its hard to find Teuvo making a big impact.
Brett Pesce
4GP
Last week: 2PIMLast rank: -
Pesce was extremely quiet in the offensive zone this week, but, along with Jaccob Slavin, has been exceptional in his own end. He leads the team in blocked shots with 10, with 5 of those blocks being on the penalty kill.
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