Link to listen. Canes discussion between 2:11-12:32 and 37:12-41:47.
Context: This podcast is exceptional for discussing happenings around the league. They do really insightful deep dives on teams, players, and trends. The rotating cast of guests is great, as is Dmitri Filipovic (the host). I'm not in any way connected to this show, I just thought this was some really good Canes discussion, especially since in my opinion most Canes podcasts aren't able to talk about the team's on ice play or long term outlook in the same level of detail and clarity.
Takeaways re: the Canes:
- Jarvis, Aho, and Ehlers are trending towards exceptional offensive results. While Ehlers has started slow in counting stats, this line is currently scoring at 5v5 at a rate that would have ranked 3rd in last year's NHL, only behind McDavid/Draisaitl and the Blue Jackets' top line. I don't mean to be too critical, but imo, this is a really different perspective compared to what Adam Gold provides on Canes Corner where he's been fairly critical of this line and the Canes offense in general (even though we are 2nd in goals scored and 3rd in expected goal % in all situations).
- Seth Jarvis is legitimately headed towards superstardom.
- Harman Dayal (the guest) called last night's game his favorite regular season game league-wide in at least 5 years. Both the Canes and Avs elevated to a level that few, if any, current NHL teams can reach.
- The Hurricanes are perhaps better set up than any team in the league to succeed in the rising cap environment. In particular, the Jarvis, Aho, Slavin, Blake, Stankoven, and Miller deals provide the Canes with more flexibility and opportunity to improve than any team in the league.
There's a lot to like about this year's team and our long-term outlook. Go Canes.
4 comments
Keep in mind also from a prospect perspective: Nadeau, Unger Sorum, Legault, Nystrom, and Badinka all look like guys that belong in the NHL.
Plus you have Fensore, Cerrato, Perron, Poirier, Artamonov, Ryabkin, and Frolov who all look like they have really good chances to develop into NHL level players.
Then beyond that you’ve got some upside guys like Limatov, Franson, Ekberg, Heimosalmi, and Trikozov
Our top line is buzzing, and I think Ehlers is starting to gel a bit more with them, I think that’ll start to pan out even more soon. Aho has had a trademark slow start but hes picking it up I feel.
The Staal line has been great since the start of the season to no one’s surprise.
The Stankoven experiment is going well imo, I dont know his current face off % but he drives play and is really quick to make decisions in the small moments. Just needs more experience which he’ll get.
Even KK is having a decent start. Nothing crazy offensively but hes made some defensive and physical plays that have impressed me. I think taking the 2nd line pressure off of him is the right move.
My only real worry atm is Svech. I know he lit it up in the playoffs last year, clearly he has the skill, talent, and tools to be great, but if you only come alive after 82 thats kinda rough.
Still, its only a few games into the season, plenty of time for Svech to turn it up. (If he doesnt after this year though, I dont know if I see him sticking around.)
Adam Gold knows about as much about hockey as my golden retriever.
The world becomes collectively slightly dumber very time he opens his mouth.
Our biggest issue right now is injuries. Hockey never gives what’s really wrong with a player and when you are losing a couple players a game, it matters (duh). The only bright side is it gives the “prospects” early season NHL time from a learning experience and gives the coaches a real life NHL level evaluation of their play.
I also think it gives the young players in the system hope and something to play hard for. They know if they develop like they are told, they will get an honest shot a playing some NHL games.