Game Preview - Carolina Hurricanes @ San Jose Sharks: Lineups and Game Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes have yet to have a full, 60-minute effort this season, but despite that, they are holding onto a 2-1-0 record through three games.
What that means is that the best is still ahead for this Carolina team though.
As they continue their season-long, six-game road trip with a stop in San Jose to face the Sharks, here's what the Hurricanes should focus on to get back in the win column.
Stay Out of the Box
The Hurricanes are averaging 6.3 penalties per game so far on the season and have taken the second most in the entire league (19).
Calls seem to be up around the league and while not everything the Hurricanes have been called for are actual penalties, you just have to be smarter about the positions you put yourself in.
Luckily, the Hurricanes' PK has been up to the task early with just two power play goals against and three shorthanded goals for, but the flow of the game is killed with a constant parade to the box.
Staying out of the penalty box should aid in improving the 5v5 game as well.
On the flipside, the Canes are drawing more calls than they commit. They've drawn 22 penalties on the season, also the second most in the league.
Feed the Finns
Carolina's offense is currently on Finn-support thanks to the heroics of Teuvo Teravainen.
The winger has four goals on five shots across three games for the Canes and has been a dynamic force in all three zones and in all game situations.
Alongside him, Sebastian Aho has a goal and three points in three games for the Hurricanes to be right up there at the top as well.
Carolina need's its star players to produce and so far, those two are carrying the load.
Keep feeding what's working.
Defense, Defense, Defense
Carolina has not had the best defensive outings this season to say the least.
When you start a season, things can be a little disjointed. Guys out of place, missing assignments or generally just rust can make what's normally a well-oiled machine look a bit shaky.
We know what the Hurricanes are capable of, but we've yet to see that all come together.
According to NaturalStatTrick.com, the Canes have a 42.55% high danger chances for and a 42.94% expected goals for despite controlling the possession and shot shares as seen by their 55.48% Corsi for.
What that means is that the Hurricanes are surrendering a lot of Grade-A chances and aren't generating nearly as many good looks with the chances they've had.
For one, the third pairing has been a weakness for Carolina.
Dmitry Orlov has had a difficult time adjusting to the blueline — which is expected as players like Brent Burns and Brady Skjei had similar struggles to start — but Tony DeAngelo hasn't been helping him much either.
The pair has been on the ice for four 5v5 goals against.
It hasn't just been them either though as forward support hasn't been consistent and generally all around it's been a tough start for the team as a whole.
A good focused effort on defense could go a long way for the team.
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