In a game where the Carolina Hurricanes mostly utilized its game group, and Florida sent out a roster with no players who put their names on the cup this summer, the disparity in talent showed. The Canes were in full control from puck drop en route to an 8-2 preseason victory.
“We played well,” said head coach Rod Brind’Amour. “The new guys especially, on the back end.”
The entire Canes lineup clicked as only three skaters finished the game without registering a point. Seven skaters finished the night with multiple points, including defenseman Sean Walker, who led the team with three points.
Walker led the group of newcomers for the Canes who, all around, looked very impressive. Center Jack Roslovic, who was immediately put on the first side alongside Hurricanes mainstay centers Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, never once looked out of place or a step behind.
Roslovic, who signed with Carolina in free agency, recorded himself a power play goal right before the second period expired. The dynamic playmaker was one of the big reasons why the top line was so successful.
Left wing William Carrier, another free agent signing, registered a goal and an assist in tonight’s contest. His goal opened the scoring for the Canes in the third when a wrap-around shot that was initially called a no-goal was reviewed and overturned.
Carrier was plugged into the third line alongside center Jordan Staal and left wing Jordan Martinook — a duo notorious for how hard they get to the forecheck. Their combined efforts didn’t just paid off on Carrier’s goal, but with just over four minutes remaining in the second, Carrier threaded the needle with a pass through Martinook’s legs that found a wide-open Staal at the back door to make the game 5-0.
“It’s rare that I play with guys who work harder than me,” Carrier said. “They’re paying dues out there. They’re having fun, working hard and it’s great to just hop on that line.”
The Hurricanes exploded for five goals in the second period with a pair coming off of Jarvis’ stick. Jarvis showcased why he got paid this summer with a tip-in and a highlight reel toe-drag goal.
Many Canes fans may have felt like they were seeing double in tonight’s game, with two Slavin’s out on the ice. Left wing Josiah Slavin and defenseman Jaccob Slavin each recorded a point in the brothers’ first professional game together.
Josiah Slavin scored the game’s first goal, putting home a rebound on a shot from defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who made his return to Carolina.
“I’ve been living with him for the last month so it’s been fun to get the camaraderie together and compete with him again,” Slavin said. “We compete in absolutely everything and so to be on the ice with him is special.”
Ruining goaltender Frederik Andersen’s potential shutout were two goals redirected in front of the netminder. There wasn’t a whole lot for Andersen to do in net, due to the imbalance of talent and style of play, but he did what he had to.
The Dane, who is coming off an Olympic qualification run with Denmark, didn’t look rusty at all. He and goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will likely split the net work 50/50 this year in a 1A 1B style the Canes have run in years past.
The Hurricanes jump right back into action against the Panthers in Florida on Saturday, Sept. 28th at 6 p.m.
