Carolina Hurricanes Season Preview 2011-12
It was case of adjusting this non-playoff roster for GM Jim Rutherford, not overhauling it in the offseason. Carolina has missed the playoffs in two straight seasons, but this is a team that looks like a playoff competitor, and the franchise has proven itself extremely dangerous once he makes the playoffs with two long runs since the lockout, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2006. Erik Cole, Joe Corvo and Corey Stillman were the big names departing during the offseason. Cole in particular is a loss after he scored 26 goals, while playing on Eric Staal’s wing in 2010-11. However, the Hurricanes added a lot of forward depth; signing Anthony Stewart, Tim Brent and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Brian Boucher joins the club to serve as Cam Ward’s back-up, and defenseman Tomas Kaberle joins the blue-line.
Coach Paul Maurice will be counting on an upgrade coming from young players like Zac Dalpe, Jamie McBain and possibly even 2011 draft pick Ryan Murphy. The book on the Hurricanes is well known, they aim to play a transition style offense, and a strong team defense in front of starting goaltender Ward. This roster looks set to be around the #6-#10 spot once again this year, can they get those extra two points in 2011-12?
Forwards
Eric Staal is the centerpiece of this forward group. He has been a consistent scorer over the last six seasons, but there is a feeling that the team’s captain still has a little more to give. Staal hasn’t eclipsed the 80-point mark since 2007-08, and hasn’t scored 40 goals since 2008-09. He starts the season settled in as captain and injury free, this is definitely a year where he could return to those sort of totals. A good deal of that production could depend on the performance of his wingers. Rookie Zac Dalpe is expected to get the opportunity after a good training camp. Dalpe has done his time in the AHL, and the Canes hope he can have a Jeff Skinner style rookie season. Free agent addition Ponikarovsky gets an opportunity in an offensive role after a disappointing season in Los Angeles. Ponikarovsky should return to the 50-point plateau playing alongside Staal.
Second year forward Skinner impressed mightily in his rookie year, and will play an integral part of this offense again in 2011-12. He is expected to lead a second line featuring Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen. Jokinen had a solid 52 points in 2010-11, but it was a slight let down after his 30-goal season in 2009-10. Ruutu set a career high last year with 57 points and importantly stayed healthy playing all 82 games for only the second time in his seven year career. Strong two-way center Brandon Sutter is expected to anchor the third line. Carolina still expect Sutter’s offensive numbers to go up, but are also satisfied with his excellent defensive game. He is likely to be flanked by Chad LaRose and Jiri Tlusty to start the year. Newcomers Brent and Stewart will probably join Patrick Dwyer on the fourth line. Brent is a solid option as a fourth line center, while Stewart scored 14 goals with Atlanta last season, and creates offense by putting his big frame in front of the net. Zach Boychuk and Drayson Bowman have both been sent back to the AHL, but are good call-up options.
Defense
Kaberle joins a strong six-man unit. Joni Pitkanen leads the way playing in all situations and making solid offensive contributions. Pitkanen scored 35 points last season, but undoubtedly has more offensive upside than that. The blue-line should be fairly settled in Carolina this season, and if the power-play improves, Pitkanen’s numbers will also. Tim Gleason is the most likely candidate to partner him. Gleason is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman and will play against the league’s top offensive players. This balanced defensive pairing will likely see 25+ minutes of ice time per game.
Kaberle could slot in alongside second year defenseman McBain. McBain had a solid rookie season contributing 30 points; the team will want a more consistent season at the defensive end of the ice, but this pairing is definitely one that can turn defense to offense very quickly, and McBain should benefit from playing alongside one of the game’s most experienced offensive defenseman. Bryan Allen will anchor the bottom pair with his physical presence. His partner isn’t clear yet. One option to start the year could be Murphy, who may have done just enough to earn a nine-game tryout. If it isn’t Murphy, then Derek Joslin and Jay Harrison will compete for the spot.
Goaltending
Cam Ward returns to the crease after putting up his best NHL season to date. Ward posted a .923 save percentage and 2.58 GAA in 74 games played. He really was the team’s rock, and don’t expect that to change in 2011-12. It feels like Ward has been in the league a long time, but he is only 27 and getting close to his prime.
One thing that will be different this season is the back-up. Brian Boucher was brought in to give the team an experienced goaltender, who could help bring Ward’s game total down from 74 to around the 65-game mark. Boucher established a solid reputation in Philadelphia over the past few seasons. He had a .916 save percentage in 34 games last year.
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