RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes (7-7-4) begin a home-and-away, back-to-back set starting on Friday when they host the National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference leader, the Anaheim Ducks (15-4-1).
With a 3-0-1 record during their current home stand, they will be challenged to improve upon their consistency in two-game sets as they are 1-2-0 in the front halves of back-to-back games, and 0-2-1 in the back halves so far this season.
Prior to their recent unbeaten streak during regulation play at PNC Arena, Hurricanes’ netminder Justin Peter had struggled and was winless, but In his last four games, Peters has allowed just four goals in 246:22 of ice time (0.97 GAA), and has stopped 110 of 114 shots faced (.965 SV%) while earning three wins, including a shutout.
Combined with effective puck control off the draw, the result of exceptional play by center Manny Malhotra, Carolina has won the faceoff battle in each of the six games that he has played for the team so far this season.
The Hurricanes have won 205-of-347 faceoffs (59.1%) during that span, including 36-of-62 (58%) in a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
With such positives arising from the team’s current play, particularly in light of the adverse situations it has faced due to significant player injuries, coack Kirk Muller intends to maintain his team’s consistency of play while slowly inserting rehabilitated players back into the lineup.
“Cam got through with a full practice, so we’ll see how he is tomorrow,” Muller said in talking about his goaltenders.
“That’s a great sign, seeing him comin’ back. We’ll just determine when it is that he’ll at least be a backup, and when it’s the right time to take on the challenge of playin’ a game. That’s just his first practice today, so that’s great to see. Khudobin went out at the end. He’s obviously behind Wardo in gettin’ back.”
“Yeah, we’re gettin’ some bodies back,” Muller continued.
“Skinner was out there today. He’s startin’ to feel better…We’ve got Westy who skated for the first time. He’s getting healthier – he’s day-to-day now. We’re gettin’ the bodies back and the team’s playin’ well, so it’s gonna’ be interesting. Some decisions comin’ up.”
Heading into the weekend, Muller’s message sounded pretty clear that the Hurricanes will continue to roll with what is continuing to make them successful, even in light of the possibility of marquee players like Ward and Skinner getting closer to being ready to play.
“If the team’s going along well and winning, you gotta’ wait and fight to get back into the lineup,” Muller said.
“This is one of the first times that we’re getting’ close to that situation where we got extra bodies, and depending upon scenarios if everyone’s healthy, if you’re playin’ well, you stay in. It’s kind of changed now as opposed to earlier in the year. If we’re playin’ well and you’re doin’ your job, then we gotta’ roll with what’s workin’.”