Ed. note: We’re taking most of tomorrow off, with the exception of a World Juniors preview that will be up later tomorrow to give you an excuse to get away from your crazy Uncle Bob for a few minutes. Thanks to each of you for your support and readership during the past year. We love what we do, and we couldn’t do it without you!
Merry Christmas Eve, Canes Country readers! No matter what you celebrate, we here at Canes Country wish you a happy holiday season.
It’s clear the Carolina Hurricanes want and need a few things this Christmas season, and we have no problem playing Santa. Sitting outside a playoff spot, here are a few “gifts” the Canes want this year to help them get to the playoffs.
A new stick for Justin Faulk
It seems like his may be broken. Or maybe some Moe’s queso got on it. OK, so he had a two-goal night the day before I write this list. Details, details. With 10 points on the season and just one goal in 34 games (plus two in game 35), the Canes sure could use some help from their Olympian and All-Star defenseman. Faulk’s 3% shooting percentage is far below his career average of 6.3% and a big drop from last year’s 7.6%. Faulk has long been a great facilitator and shooter on the blue line and a wake up call for him could pay dividends for the team. Maybe Saturday’s game against Buffalo was it.
A new jersey for a Charlotte Checker
It’s time for a promotion for one of the young guns in Charlotte. The Queen City has been rocking with wins and explosive offense. Valentin Zykov, Warren Foegele and Lucas Wallmark each have over 20 points on the season. Zykov’s stick has been especially hot as he’s potted 18 goals and is shooting an astounding 32.1%. The Canes are a bottom-five team in goal scoring, so sparking the offense should be at the top of their list.
A year’s supply of deep dish pizzas for Scott Darling
Or anything to remind him of his past successes in Chicago, really.
A ticket to a playoff game
It’s time. Come on, guys. Please. Leapfrog a few teams in the standings and give your loyal fanbase something to be excited about.
What’s on your list that you would give to the Hurricanes? Let us know in the comments!
Storm Sleigh Advisory
- A bit of a Christmas miracle for Hurricanes president Don Waddell. [USA Today]
- A holiday surprise from Eddie...I mean, P.K. Subban. What a guy.
It's holiday surprise year four, and I - or shall I say 'Eddie' - is back for much more! A big thank you to @rjosi90 @ChefAntonioPark @PredsNHL @HopitalChildren and all of the other friends who helped make this year happen!! Enjoy folks, and happy holidays!! pic.twitter.com/2sOIvI6dRx
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) December 22, 2017
- New York Islanders rookie Mathew Barzal netted his first career hat trick in a win over the Winnipeg Jets. [NHL]
- The United States has finalized its World Junior Championship roster. [NHL]
- Merry Christmas, here is Zac Rinaldo sucker-punching his way onto the naughty list. [SB Nation]