Carolina Hurricanes Archives

On March 11, 2023

Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to make it two in a row with a matchup in Carolina against the Hurricanes. Vegas jumped out ahead 4:03 into the game after Jonathan Marchessault recorded his 20th goal of the season. Goaltender Jonathon Quick was sharp in net, keeping Carolina off the scoreboard in the opening 20 minutes.

Late in the 2nd period Reilly Smith weaved through Carolina’s defense to give Vegas a 2-0 advantage. Smith scored his 22nd of the season to extend the Golden Knights lead. Quick continued to frustrate the Hurricanes and carried a shutout into the final intermission.

Vegas’ Paul Cotter stretched VGK’s lead to 3-0 midway into the 3rd period. Cotter scored off a beautiful two-pass feed from Chandler Stephenson and Alex Pietrangelo. Carolina pulled their goalie with three minutes left but Brett Howden added an empty netter in the final minutes. VGK’s defense held up and preserved Quick’s shutout.

The Golden Knights record improves to 40-20-6 defeating the Hurricanes 4-0. Vegas will hit the ice tomorrow in St. Louis for a battle with the Blues. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights scored early on a sneaky Marchessault shot through a screen, and then they went into a bit of a defensive shell and allowed Jonathan Quick to clean up the trash. They did well keeping the Canes to the outside and worked hard to block a lot of shots, but they spent a lot of time in their own end which is rarely the ideal way to play. As the lead increased (thanks Brent Burns)VGK got more and more conservative and the Canes could not beat Quick. I’m not sure that’s the style VGK really want to play to win every night, but it worked like a charm on this one. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 CAROLINA HURRICANES 2 (36-19-6, 78 PTS)

On March 1, 2023

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the Carolina Hurricanes in hopes to get back on the winning side. Both teams had early chances but neither could find the back of the net. The Golden Knights were awarded a power play, but the Hurricanes fought it off. The game was locked in a scoreless tie after the opening 20 minutes.

Vegas center Jack Eichel opened the scoring with a nasty wrist shot, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Carolina would tie the game minutes later, but Eichel drove to the net and regained the lead for the Golden Knights. The home team carried a 2-1 advantage into the second intermission.

Midway through the final period Carolina tied the game off a deflection in front of Adin Hill. Late in the game Michael Amadio made a beautiful one-time pass to Reilly Smith for the tap-in. Smith’s 20th goal of the season gave the Golden Knights a 3-2 edge. Vegas fought off one last push from Carolina to secure a one-goal victory.

The Golden Knights’ record improves to 36-19-6 defeating the Hurricanes 3-2. Next, Vegas will welcome the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The story of the night is VGK’s excellent display at the defensive blue line. They had excellent gaps all night against a speedy Hurricanes team and it forced them to dump pucks in. When they did, the Golden Knights were great going back to get them. This forced the Canes to press a bit more in the O-Zone and it helped lead to a pair of rush-chance goals. Fast games really suit Jack Eichel, and we saw that again tonight. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes at T-Mobile Arena.

Allan Walsh: Carolina Intentionally Exposed Vegas’ Cap Mismanagement

On July 29, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Max Pacioretty and Dylan Coghlan for… nothing.

Well, technically it was for “future considerations,” but if you’ve ever seen what comes of those, “nothing” is basically synonymous.

The Golden Knights spun it as a cap maneuver that helped them re-sign Reilly Smith and will eventually allow them to bring back Nic Roy, Nic Hague, and Keegan Kolesar, but the hockey world viewed it much differently.

For the third (fourth? fifth? I’m honestly losing track) time in the past two years the Golden Knights were being laughed at for an embarrassing move that seemed unfathomable for a Cup contender. From Marc-Andre Fleury to either Evgenii Dadonov trade to the Robin Lehner injury saga to this, hockey nation has not been short on ammo to use to rip Vegas.

Now we find out, the Carolina Hurricanes did it on purpose. Or so says agent Allan Walsh.

There were several other GMs around the league that mentioned to me that they thought the way the trade was structured was intentional on Carolina’s part. That there was a little bit of a message being delivered here. Could it have been a 7th round pick or a 6th round pick? I think Carolina intentionally said “nuh uh we’ll do this but we’re going to make it future considerations” because it kind of embarrassed Vegas to have to do that. And in many ways it exposed their cap mismanagement. –Allan Walsh on Agent Provocateur Podcast

Walsh continued.

Pacioretty: Excited To Join An Organization “Trying To Win Now”

By Jason Pothier

On July 18, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

When forward Max Pacioretty was acquired in 2018 the Golden Knights added a sharpshooting veteran to an already strong offensive team. Pacioretty was coming over from an icy situation in Montreal freeing himself from the heavy scrutiny he dealt with as Canadiens captain. It was a fresh start and a chance to help a Western Conference finalist.

With Pacioretty’s scoring ability the Golden Knights made two deep playoff runs, which probably should have been three. In 224 games the top-line winger posted 194 points and was three goals shy from scoring 100 with Vegas. All in all, Pacioretty did what he was paid to do.

When you’re around the league a little bit longer people will start reaching out when they hear stuff. I thought that it could be a possibility I was going somewhere. I didn’t know specifically where. When I found out that it was Carolina, the GM of Vegas called me and we spoke briefly. I got confirmation from Don [Waddell], Rod [Brind’Amour] and even Tom [Dundon]. Once I spoke to everybody about how they wanted me and how I fit in, it was really exciting to join an organization like this and a team that is trying to win right now. – Max Pacioretty during Hurricanes media availability

The 14-year veteran sounded genuinely excited to begin his next NHL chapter when he spoke with Hurricane’s media last week. His departure from Vegas didn’t sound contentious, in fact, he received a call from VGK’s front office, a courtesy that pal Marc-Andre Fleury didn’t get.

It was just a weird year where it seemed like everything went wrong. My injuries were really one offs and bad luck. It was a broken foot and another bone injury in my hand, and then it was a little bit of a core situation there but it didn’t keep me out too long. I hope that’s in my past. I’m doing everything that I can to move on from that. But in reality, as a group we had a lot of tough luck on the injury front and a lot of goofy or fluky injuries. Mine were no different from the rest of the guys in that sense. -Pacioretty

Just like Mark Stone, Reilly Smith, Alec Martinez, Robin Lehner, and the front office, Pacioretty would like to put last season behind him. When he was on the ice there’s no doubt the sniper’s shot was the most lethal on the team. Which will be difficult to replace.

Carolina And Vegas’ Similar Situations Could Set Up Win-Win Trade

On June 3, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

For the third straight year, the Carolina Hurricanes entered the season with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations. A roster chock-full of talent, one of the best coaches in the league, and a strong home-ice atmosphere had many experts picking the Canes not only before the season began but also heading into the playoffs.

Carolina set franchise records with 116 points and 54 wins in the regular season and cruised to a division title, their second straight. They had multiple 30 goal scorers, 11 players reach double-digit goals, and 14 with at least 28 points. Plus, they’d been getting strong goaltending from Freddie Andersen.

Then, the playoffs came, they won a round (albeit not as easily as expected) and then flamed out in the same way they had the year before and the year before that. A team that was built on a balanced offensive attack, tremendous defense, and good goaltending had bowed out in the 2nd round for the third season in a row. The scoring dried up, the depth was exposed, and the goaltending couldn’t save the day (this year due to injury more than anything else).

It all sounds so familiar, doesn’t it?

Of course, the Golden Knights and Hurricanes are not all that similar in their construction nor in the way they’ve operated as an organization, and the problems facing each team are vastly different heading into this offseason, but there are enough similarities that could make a perfect partner for each other this summer.

Carolina have plenty of decisions to make on important players like Nino Niederreiter, Vincent Trocheck, Max Domi, Tony DeAngelo, Martin Necas, and Ethan Bear. Lucky for them, they have much more cap space to do it than the team we cover on this site.

But, like the Golden Knights, they can’t simply bring everyone back and expect the results to be different this time around. They could use some sort of a shake up and they’ll want to do it by brining in usable Cup-contending pieces.

McPhee Stresses Defense With Former NHL Defenseman He Drafted

By Jason Pothier

On January 26, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Late in overtime Golden Knights’ defenseman Alex Pietrangelo made an unfortunate turnover costing them an extra point in Carolina. The miscue stung but in reality, earning one point in a game that seemingly looked over was a nice parting gift. Unfortunately, players don’t see it that way. Especially, the players that make game-ending gaffes.

If it weren’t for Pietrangelo’s work in regulation it’s possible Vegas never even forces overtime. And for that, coaches, teammates, and some fans tend to cut heavily used defensemen some slack. Last night was a good example of that. It was Pietrangelo’s team-leading 29th shift of the game when his soft pass was scooped up by Andrei Svechnikov.

If you’ve got a good defense then you can be in every game. –George McPhee on Alz Caps podcast

McPhee joined one of his former draft picks, 12-year NHL veteran Karl Alzner on his podcast to talk some puck and the importance of reliable defensemen.

**The whole interview can be found here. It’s an excellent listen for any VGK fan.**

It’s clear the Golden Knights organization values top-tier defensemen. Acquiring Shea Theodore around the expansion draft, making an in-season trade for Alec Martinez, and inking Alex Pietrangelo to a loaded seven-year commitment should be enough evidence.

You’ve seen it with the Caps and you can see it with our team and other teams that have a lot of injuries this year. You can lose some forwards and hang in there. You start losing defenseman and you’re in trouble. –McPhee on Alz Caps podcast

For reference, McPhee’s first two picks in Washington were defenseman. Overall, while managing the Capitals McPhee selected 38 defensemen and nine of them in the first round. Including, choosing Alzner fifth overall in 2007. Clearly, it’s a position McPhee heavily values.

CAROLINA HURRICANES 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (25-15-3 53 PTS) – OT

On January 25, 2022

Recap: The Golden Knights faced a difficult back-to-back taking on the highly talented Carolina Hurricanes. The 1st period was uneventful with each team having chances but neither team converted any into goals. The game was scoreless after the opening 20 minutes.

The Hurricanes picked up the pace in the 2nd period scoring two goals in :57 seconds apart. The Golden Knights had several chances but couldn’t maintain any offensive pressure. Late in the middle frame Nolan Patrick finally gave Vegas life scoring his second of the season. After 40 minutes the Golden Knights trailed 2-1.

Vegas took several penalties in the final frame and Carolina took advantage. Midway through the period, the Canes regained their two goal lead. However, Vegas would respond minutes later. First Brett Howden scored VGK’s second goal with his 5th of the season and Nic Hague tied the game scoring his 4th on a wrist shot from the point. The game needed overtime to decide a winner. After an exciting back and forth opening minutes of OT the Hurricanes scored the game-winner.

The Golden Knights record drops to 25-15-3 falling 4-3 to the Hurricanes in overtime. Vegas will travel to the Sunshine State for two games against the Panthers and Lightning. Puck drop against the Panthers is set for 4:00 on Thursday night. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: Playing against a dangerous opponent the Golden Knights continued their commitment to defending early in the game. As it wore on though, VGK’s play loosened up in the neutral zone and it fed the Hurricanes offense. Vegas hung in despite taking far too many penalties and found a way to push the game to OT. It’s another step in the right direction defensively though which is a great sign. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes game at PNC Arena.

Vegas Catching Up With The Eastern Conference

By Jason Pothier

On November 19, 2021

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

After defeating the Detroit Red Wings last night, Vegas clawed back to one game under .500 against Eastern Conference teams this season. The Golden Knights received three goals from defensemen, one from veteran Reilly Smith and rookie Paul Cotter added another. Whatever coach Pete DeBoer drew up before the game, it couldn’t have worked out any better than their well-rounded 5-2 result. It hasn’t gone as smoothly against other teams from the East.

On Tuesday, the Golden Knights faced a much more complete team and lost by two at home. Carolina is one of the NHL’s best overall clubs, and happen to be much healthier than Vegas. The Hurricanes high end forwards and mobile defense troubled the Golden Knights. Star forward Sebastian Aho shot seven times, registering 2 points and the Canes took 14 shots from defensemen. Carolina boasts 3.5 goals per game and like Vegas receive a good percentage of their offense from their blue line. Injuries aside, both rosters are among the elite and would make for an entertaining final.

The NY Islanders were another Eastern Conference team Vegas struggled with, losing 2-0 at T-Mobile Arena in late October. New York played defensively, waited out mistakes, forcing Vegas into bad shots and one and out opportunities. The Golden Knights fell into the Islanders trap and outshot New York two to one, but were out scored 2-0. Games against New York are consistently uneventful and Vegas will need patience and quality shooting to win a tight, low scoring contest. Unfortunately, the Golden Knights fell in similar fashions in back-to-back semifinals, so there’s plenty to learn from an Islanders loss.

At times in an NHL season it’s pick your poison night; a slow frustrating game or an exhaustive track meet. Earlier this month, Vegas traveled and lost by four in Toronto. The loss wasn’t the problem, the concern was the Golden Knights getting blanked 4-0. We’re all aware of Toronto’s weak defense and goaltending of the past, so at full strength Vegas should capitalize.

CAROLINA HURRICANES 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (9-7-0 18 PTS)

On November 16, 2021