The Carolina Hurricanes fortunately have started to look better defensively and in goal. Raanta has recorded a shutout and Freddy has been very good in all his starts since returning from his injury early in the season. There are still some concerns many fans have and rightfully so. While the defense has looked better there is still a log jam in the defensive position. With Brett Pesce out it has not been an issue. When he returns we will have 7 top 4 defensemen. In my last post we talked a bit about how the defense had been struggling from DeAngelo to Slavin. Today I think it is important to really narrow in on the defense. Do not worry folks this won't be as long as last time.
Let us first address the positives. Every defenseman has absolutely looked better. DeAngelo has looked significantly better defensively and Orlov seems to be settling in better for this group as well. Orlov had an extremely rough start and he finally seems to be coming into his own with the team. His ability to control the puck and skate has certainly improved and has benefited the team. He got his first goal against the Islanders and that will hopefully spark his offensive side and he will continue production. The team has stopped allowing the average of 5 goals a game which was initially the average. The team needed this to improve and it has.
Let us now get through the negative. Brent Burns has not been good this season. Burns is 38 and is probably the most in shape player in the organization. The concern is that Father time, who is undefeated, has finally started catching up to him. He has been slower and not as responsible defensively. Burns also is not producing like he needs to be. Does this mean father time has caught up with him? I am not ready to say that yet. I believe he could simply be having a slow start to the season. He had a slow start last year as well. This is something to keep an eye on though. If it continues Slavin will need a new partner whether that is Orlov or DeAngelo.
The last point I will make quickly is the News from Eliot Friedman about the Hurricanes blue line. The Canes are looking at moving a defenseman when Brett Pesce returns to help with the log jam at the blue line. The name he said that is being tossed around is Tony DeAngelo. My only concern here is that we might not get anything worthwhile in return. It could be a cap dump to make room for something else but the team is open to other players being moved as well no other name was mentioned.
While there are some negatives we definitely have some positives to look at along with some news that could happen with the blue line if someone is moved. The reality is the Hurricanes are starting to build a season. The hope is they continue in the right direction and start to string together a few solid winning streaks.
By Sam Driscoll
