Now that is how you win a damn hockey game.
The Carolina Hurricanes were tasked with a mid-week clash against the Los Angelas Kings this Tuesday and earned an impressive two points. The Canes were supported by a home crowd of just under 13,000 fans that pushed the team to a 7-3 win in a thrilling game.
The win itself is impressive alone but the biggest story to come out of the game was Justin Faulk. The defenseman became only the 10th defenseman in NHL history to record a natural hat trick. His three goals came off of five shots and two powerplay slapshots that rocketed into the back of the net.
Along with Faulk, Sebastian Aho and Jaccob Slavin were able to find the net as well, with Jeff Skinner scoring two beautiful goals as well. It was what they call a team effort at PNC Arena on Tuesday, and head coach Bill Peters has to be proud of his boys after this one.
Veteran signee Justin Williams has taken over the “Dad” role on the team and is embracing his second stint with the team. Sebastian Aho is learning a lot from the fabled winger and has already recorded four goals and four assists since the start of February.
There are several good talking points from this game, stretching from the offense to the goaltending, but I think we need to really take the time to appreciate and Cam Ward. Mr. Ward has been nothing but rock solid for his team ever since being thrust into the backup position. At this point, Ward might as well be the starter again because the man is hotter than that piping hot cup of joe you accidentally spilled on your white shirt yesterday morning at 6 a.m.
In his last five games, Ward is 3-2 and has earned the Canes six points. The man has only lost seven games total since the start of the new year and has been as clutch as they come in the heat of the moment. I think it was humbling for Ward to become the backup and it certainly has looked like the right move with all of the wins he has recorded.
Defense can be the biggest affecting factor on goaltending often times and the Hurricanes’ defensive effort against L.A. was superb. That has been something that has somewhat haunted Carolina throughout the season. Young guys missing their assignments, letting long passes through, and allowing way too much activity around the crease. However, the boys were able to stand their ground and hold L.A.
The Canes, unfortunately, fell flat last night in a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. The defense and goaltending are the exact factors that caused issues for the team in that game, placing more pressure on goalie Scott Darling, who is looking less and less like the starter every game. The Hurricanes play the Devils two more times in the next two weeks, giving them plenty of time to get their revenge.
With all this said, there seems to be more positive growth from this team and it is very encouraging. These guys are putting the pieces together and it is fun to watch. Despite last night’s loss, the team is currently sitting in the second wildcard spot. With the playoffs getting closer every day, the team needs to use this momentum and propel themselves into the promise land.