The Carolina Hurricanes are the second place beasts of the east, sporting a 44-14-8 record for 96 points (Boston has 107) just one ahead of the persistent New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan. The Hurricanes are without their top two scorers Max Paciorety and Schvetzenkov. Igor Kocheton got the start for the Hercs and appears to be the next “big” thing.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have dropped their last 2 games and appropriately appeared in their colorful, seasonal uni’s. The Toronto St. Pat’s won the 1922 Stanley Cup championship under that moniker. Luke Schenn was back for his first home game since his return to the Leafs roster. Justin Holl was a healthy scratch thanks to this ongoing 11f – 7d configuration.
Zack Aston-Reese got things going for Toronto at around the 3 minute mark, tipping in a nice point shot feed from Gustavann. Calle Jarkrok also got an assist. Despite playing over 29 minutes in Wednesday’s game, Mitchell Marner benefited from the day off by scoring his 25th from Michael Bunting and John Tavares. Carolina D-Man Brady Shea lofted in a softy that I am almost certain Sami would have liked back to make it 2-1. But, with a Toronto PP with less than 3 minutes left, Austin Mathews scored his 32nd on what some might call a “butt” goal – the kind he has not been getting this season.
Make no mistake, this was a close game between two elite NHL squads. Carolina started the second with a power play that the Leafs were able to squash. Samsanov made a huge save on a cross crease Sebastion Aho attempt. The tone was set. Mark Necas got his 26th off a hard Carolina forecheck to make it close at 3-2. Secondary scoring is so important for any true contender and Aston-Reese stepped up for his second of the game, 7th of the season thanks to a clever cross ice pass from the emerging Sam Lafferty.
A number of so-called pundits (incl. me) had been putting the knock on Leaf veteran Mo Rielly this season. His production was low – he’s lost a step etc. Well, tell that to kid in net for the Hurricanes tonight who still hasn’t seen Rielly’s top shelf, short side zinger to put Toronto up 5 to 2. That was Morgan’s second goal in 2 games. That didn’t mean that a high calibre team like Carolina was just going to fold up. Several threatening chances and constant pressure kept the Leafs from celebrating just yet, including a key PK in which the Hurricanes did not have a shot on net. Impressive win for Tranna who now embark on a five game road trip.
HOPPER NOTES: Hated to see stalwart Noel Accurai go out with a suspected head injury…it’s been 11 years since Luke Schenn suited up on home ice for the Leafs…I love the 11f – 7d approach at this time of the season…Coach Keefe has 9 d-men to sort through, not to mention the pairings before mid-April…AND what about the forward line combos – test ‘em out while you can…didn’t hear much from Brent Burns tonight…how long before Bunts gets out of Sheldon’s doghouse ? …not too much from Nylander either…final SOG – Carolina 32 – Leafs 24….shout out to all my Irish friends and those who want to be – CHEERS !
Entertaining game, solid report. What did you think of the defence core tonight?
9 d-men is a lot to sort through…other than TJ, Rielly, McCabe and Giordano, the remaining 2 spots are very much up for grabs…i would favour Liligren and Schenn