Canes vs Panthers pregame thread.

[TheMaulClaw]

So here we are fellas.  They all hate us cause they ain't us.  From the perspective of standings and playoffs this is a relatively meaningless game.  A game, either team can afford to lose.  But let's be real, this game has emotional implications and all Caniacs want to go top titty on these Panther rip offs.  However at what cost?

The Canes have an insatiable bloodlust for tucking teams into beddy bye in regulation.  Teams should have a parade if they can just earn a point against us.  However, I would argue that we must be careful...and we must use this amazing start to our advantage.  Starting 9-0 allows us to manage our injuries.  As exciting as it is to think about breaking a record that I never thought about before this season, the pragmatist within says to play the long game.  Let's use our start to make sure we're managing the health of every player to put us in prime position to be healthy at the end of the season.  

A game like this, which will be emotional could be a costly victory.  The type of intensity we will see won't be without it's injuries and ultimately it's one game.  That's said it's better to be the hammer then the nail.

So what are the keys to the game?

1)Adjustments around Pesce.  I would assume secondary fish isn't playing.  We need a guy like Ian Cole to step up after a relatively slow start.  I've liked Bear, but he has got to bring an extra level to his game.  Discipline in the Dzone and clearing pucks when we have the chance will be the key along with transition defense.  A guy like Duclair has great speed and has been an x factor for the Panthers.  We have to make sure our line changes are tight and well timed to limit those stretch passes. 

2) Special teams.  We have an amazing PK, but this isn't the game to test it non stop.  It's just too much to ask of your PK to win you every game.  As good as it's been, it's still 5v4, and a team like Florida will capitalize on the man advantage.  Conversely we need to get our PP back on track.  It's slipped a little of the past few games.  This in my opinion is where the game is decided.

3) Forechecking.  So Jarvis is growing on me and all that, but he is not Nino.  Nino is a HUGELY underrated part of this team.  Not just because of his size, but what he adds to our forecheck.  We're going to have to find away to get in there and grind that puck out and keep it in their zone.  The more the Panthers are in their own zone the better, and that all starts with winning board battles and a suffocating forecheck.  This is a game where KK needs to use his size and start showing us that he's settled in.

Let me know your thoughts.  We're lucky enough to be apart of the most intriguing game of the NHL so far this year.

Go Canes!   

[Harbingers]

We gotta control barkov. Also don’t know bobrovsky’s status they pulled him after a full period vs. Washington due to injury. I think he was injured on a collision during goaltender interference but not quite sure. But it was enough to hold him out last night. So we may get Knight tomorrow. 
 

Also I know rods not going to do it but I’d really like to see Jarvis on line three this game. Or at very least Marty. We need one and two together at full strength.

Also we’ll have to see how chippy Florida gets. There was plenty of scraps last night. 

[TheMaulClaw]

5 minutes ago, Harbingers said:

We gotta control barkov. Also don’t know bobrovsky’s status they pulled him after a full period vs. Washington due to injury. I think he was injured on a collision during goaltender interference but not quite sure. But it was enough to hold him out last night. So we may get Knight tomorrow. 
 

Also I know rods not going to do it but I’d really like to see Jarvis on line three this game. Or at very least Marty. We need one and two together at full strength.

Also we’ll have to see how chippy Florida gets. There was plenty of scraps last night. 

I think Jarvy needs to get slotted in against the least physical opposing line.  I understand why Martinook is on the top line.  He's just there as a protector.  I expect it to be fluid once the game starts.

[Harbingers]

Also no Pesce would(will) suck. 

[Harbingers]

2 hours ago, Harbingers said:

Also no Pesce would(will) suck. 

Oof just heard the Rod interview. Week to week on Pesce? No fun. 

[BlackPanther21_]

1 hour ago, Harbingers said:

Oof just heard the Rod interview. Week to week on Pesce? No fun. 

Wtf? Didn't he finish the game?

[Harbingers]

8 minutes ago, BlackPanther21_ said:

Wtf? Didn't he finish the game?

Ya I’m guessing some sprain or fractured rib from that collision that was diagnosed after the fact. 

[CammyCamLoveDaKidz]

Jarvis scored the first goal in his career the other night exactly 90 days before his birthday on the night Carolina became 9-0 .. in gematria Carolina Hurricanes = 90

And it was 11/3 ... Jarvis was taken Rd. 1 Pk. 13 .. like 113

 

[MillionDollarCam]

Kind of surprised the Canes haven’t called anyone up with the injures to both Pesce and Nino.

Defensively, Joey Keane, Max Lajoie, and Jalen Chatfield have had decent starts for the Wolves. Offensively, C.J. Smith has been fantastic. Maybe the Canes are just waiting they truly need the extra body. However, if someone were to get hurt tomorrow they’d need to hustle someone down to Florida from Chicago rather quickly.

It’ll also be interesting to see what the pairs are defensively.

Personally,

I’d role with:

Slavin - TDA

Skjei - Bear

Cole - Smith

But we shall see..