47-30-5. 99 points (2nd Metro, 4th conference, 10th overall) 3.24 GF/GP, 9th; 2.80 GA/GP, 10th 18.7 PP%, 25th; 83.6 PK%, 1st Key losses: D Brent Burns, D Dmitry Orlov Key additions: F Nikolaj Ehlers, D K’Andre Miller Expected lineup: Nikolaj Ehlers – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis Andrei Svechnikov – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Jackson Blake Jordan Martinook – Jordan Staal – Logan Stankoven Taylor Hall – Mark Jankowski – Bradly Nadeau Jaccob Slavin-Jalen Chatfield K’Andre Miller-Sean Walker Shayne Gostisbehere-Alexander Nikishin Frederik Andersen-Pyotr Kochetkov PP1: Svechnikov – Aho – Jarvis – Gostisbehere – Ehlers PP2: Hall – Nadeau – Stankoven – Blake – Nikishin 5x5: Carolina finished ninth in the league in even-scoring scoring, just two out of seventh. What’s scary is that the offense could be even better this year due to the additions up front and in the back end. The Canes added Nikolai Ehlers, who scored at 20+ goals in eight straight seasons where he played at least 47 games, His addition lengthens the top-nine, which was already solid. Rod Brind’Amour can move players around the lineup given the skill sets that exist amongst the wingers. The top trio of Ehlers, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis is unlikely to be tweaked, nor is a change needed. What the Canes need is a better second line center as Jesperi Kotkaniemi has shown he is not fit for the role. Jordan Staal is an excellent third line, even at 37, but he is not really suited to move up. Andrei Svechnikov, Jackson Blake, Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall and Bradly Nadeau all could slot into the top nine. Initially, Svechnikov and Blake should open on the second line but look for Stankoven to move up, replacing Blake at some point. Hall and Jordan Martinook could swap spots, depending on how the third line is deployed. The blueline has been revamped. In are Alexander Nikishin and K’Andre Miller, out are Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov. Nikishin made his long-awaited NHL debut in the playoffs while Miller came aboard as part of a sign-and-trade with the Rangers. Jaccob Slavin and Jalen Chatfield are not counted on for offense from the blueline. Nikishin and Miller should fill that role with Shayne Gostisbehere contributing a bit at even-strength, even though he is much more effective on the power play. Sean Walker is the sixth blueliner, who is similar to Chatfield, better known for play in his own end. Power Play: If there is one area of concern in Carolina. it’s their power play. Looking at the talent on the roster, a 25th place finish with an 18.2 per cent success rate seems unfathomable. Yet, that’s where they were. Despite that finish, hope springs eternal. The second pairing could have new faces in Nikishin and Miller, though it’s possible only one of the two sees regular time initially. Having one or both on the points should create chances up front. Hall, Stankoven, Blake and Nadeau all will fight for three or four spots, depending on the point alignments. Gostisbehere is a PP QB specialist, seen via his 23 helpers via the man-advantage last season. Seth Jarvis, Aho and Svechnikov all have been stalwarts on the top unit. They all will be joined by Ehlers, a free agent signee, who provides offense from the point. All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.
