GDT: Carolina Hurricanes at Edmonton Oilers Dec 11th 2021 10 PM EST
- Thread starter Tryamw
- Start date
Yeah ... Edmonton has been a force this season. Their D isn't really all that much improved (20th in the NHL in goals against ... which is still bad), but they've shown a bit of steel in the spine that really was never all that evident. They storm back in games they may have waived away in the past. I'd say the Oilers have developed some leadership, but reading accounts of how they treated Bear last season I'll take a pass on that. Maybe they just got tired of scuffling along. It happens. Either way, they're finally getting all the goodie out of that Puljujarvi pick after absolutely mangling his development early on. His emergence and adding Hyman combined to give them two solid Top 6 support elements that they really didn't have in the past.
Still, this is a team Carolina can exploit in their own D zone. The trick here is to hold your own on special teams and try to keep them from counter attacking at even strength. Let this turn into a track meet and it's not likely to go well. Be smart in possession and work the forecheck for turnovers and hope you can get the penalties killed ... that's your general formula. A whole lot of responsibility on the Canes D tonight to hold the offensive blue line in possession without getting caught pinching at bad times. Edmonton eats you alive when you make mistakes like that. And since either McDavid or Draisaitl are probably going to score one (or two) out of thin freaking air, better strap up and go score same danged goals.
Still, this is a team Carolina can exploit in their own D zone. The trick here is to hold your own on special teams and try to keep them from counter attacking at even strength. Let this turn into a track meet and it's not likely to go well. Be smart in possession and work the forecheck for turnovers and hope you can get the penalties killed ... that's your general formula. A whole lot of responsibility on the Canes D tonight to hold the offensive blue line in possession without getting caught pinching at bad times. Edmonton eats you alive when you make mistakes like that. And since either McDavid or Draisaitl are probably going to score one (or two) out of thin freaking air, better strap up and go score same danged goals.
CanadaCanes
Well-known member
If I had to pick a game on this trip where the Canes shorthanded D gets exploited it’s this one. Asking the likes of Lajoie, Chatwood etc to contain McJesus and Leon is a tough ask! I’m happy with the two wins this week so far and my expectations are lower tonight.
Fayettenamcanesfan
Well-known member
Been watching/listening on my phone during the drive home from Orange County. 3-1 good guys. Woot
HurryCanes
Well-known member
Helluva win. Freddy and Slavin were friggin monstahs!
HurryCanes
Well-known member
Last night was kinda like the other night that he had a little puck luck on the goals but what really counted was his hustle to get in position to take advantage of the luck. I ended up pouring myself a beverage and staying up for this one and I was rewarded by a good end to end game and a fantastic game by Slavin and Freddy.
BadgerCaniac
Member
Loved the irony of the 3-1 score vs. Edmonton. Aho feels like a man on a mission right now.