Hurricanes vs. Panthers Preseason Game: Keys to Watch and Player Matchups – October 2nd Update

The Carolina Hurricanes wrapped up their preseason schedule with a final matchup against the Florida Panthers. While the final score of a preseason game isn’t always the most important takeaway, there were several key aspects of the game that offer valuable insights into the team’s readiness for the regular season. Here’s a look at some crucial takeaways and player matchups to watch as the Hurricanes prepare for opening night.

Goaltending Depth Tested

With Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta expected to carry the load during the regular season, the preseason has been a crucial opportunity for the Hurricanes to evaluate their goaltending depth. Pyotr Kochetkov, who is expected to begin the season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, saw significant action. His performance against the Panthers showcased both his potential and areas for improvement. His ability to track the puck through traffic and make timely saves will be vital if he gets called up during the season. Spencer Martin also appeared in one of the games, providing another option for the team.

Offensive Line Chemistry Takes Shape

The Hurricanes are looking to solidify their offensive lines during this final preseason matchup. Early pairings of Sebastian Aho with Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov continued to show promise. The team also looked at the chemistry between new additions and returning players. Seth Jarvis’s speed and agility have been a welcomed addition and watching how he continues to grow and develop in the regular season will be key. The success of these line combinations will be critical to the team’s offensive output throughout the season.

Defensive Pairings Under Scrutiny

The Hurricanes’ defensive core remains a strength of the team, but the preseason has allowed head coach Rod Brind’Amour to experiment with different pairings. Jaccob Slavin continues to be a consistent presence, and his partnership with Brent Burns is looking to be a key part of the team’s success. Brady Skjei’s development will also play a part in their success, and seeing him continue to improve defensively will be key to the Canes victory this season. The team is focused on ensuring they can limit scoring chances against.

Special Teams Focus

The Hurricanes need to work on both their power play and penalty kill units as they head into the regular season. Converting opportunities on the power play and minimizing goals against while shorthanded will be vital for success. The coaching staff is actively working to improve both aspects during preseason practices and games. The team needs to capitalize on every chance it has to score.

Ultimately, while preseason results hold less weight, this final preseason game against the Panthers provided valuable information for the Hurricanes as they gear up for the regular season. Identifying areas for improvement and refining line combinations are key steps to take.