Staal, Semin lead in Hurricanes Red-White game

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

RALEIGH, N.C. – With their home-opener just under three weeks away, the Carolina Hurricanes showed off their new uniforms under the bright lights of PNC Arena in front of thousands of fans in attendance as part of the team’s annual Caniac Carnival festivities on Sunday.

The crowd’s exhilaration for the new season to begin was made evident by the sound volume of its response to both Red and White teams stepping onto the ice.

Scrimmaging for the third straight day, the Hurricanes’ intensity of play stayed at a high level as captain Eric Staal’s squad donning red jersey’s topped brother Jordan’s white team 3-1.

The game featured numerous big hits and offensive plays that kept every player moving and motivated to catch the attention of the coaching staff.

“There are a lot of players on this team that want to make a name for themselves and get on the radar to make this team,” Jordan Staal said afterwards.

“When you have a lot of openings and a lot of spots, there’s gonna’ be a lot of guys goin’, so it’s good to see.“

With Jiri Tlusty not dressing for the second straight day, Drayson Bowman got the opportunity to play alongside Red captain Staal and Alexander Semin, and as a result made an impressive showing scoring a goal assisted by Semin, and setting up Staal to score a goal of his own.

Staal and Semin made anyone they played alongside look good and that included forward Chris Terry.

After tipping the puck away from Mike Komisarek at his blue line, Terry rushed the puck the length of the ice into the White zone and zipped a cross-slot pass to Semin who effortlessly redirected the puck into the net.

The efforts of both Bowman and Terry didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Kirk Muller who thought that both players played a strong game.

Scoring the lone goal for White was Zac Dalpe who received a similar pass from Jeff Skinner at the top of the crease as Semin took from Terry.

For Jordan Staal, the scrimmage was just a precursor to the real test that everyone at camp is looking forward to – playing games against other NHL teams.

“It’ll be nice to get playin’ against some other teams instead of ourselves. We’re really excited about gettin’ into an exhibition and the guys really showin’ what they can do.”

Is Staal ready for those games?

Yes, but he admits his game isn’t where he wants it to be just yet.

“There’s definitely some small things I gotta’ keep workin’ on,” Staal said.

“Just gettin’ that timing back in my hands and stuff; it’s the first of many steps.”

Similar to Staal, Muller is just as interested in how those still at camp will fare during preseason play in order to eventually decide who will start the season against Detroit on Oct. 4.

“Now it’s going to be, who can sustain it?” Muller said.

“The real test will be the exhibition games. You’re gonna’ see guys where their value’s gonna’ go up, and some values are gonna’ go down, but everyone’s gonna’ get a fair crack and get an opportunity. I’ve really been pleased with the effort and competition level at all positions whether it’s goaltending, defense and forwards in the scrimmages.”