Let's go streaking!
Mar 24, 2009
Tags: Hockey, Carolina Hurricanes
There are a number of Carolina Hurricanes right now that are on impressive streaks. Here are a few of them to keep an eye on as the 'Canes push for the post-season.
Cam Ward has started 22 consecutive games in the net. In that span, the 'Canes are 14-6-2, Ward's save percentage is .919 and he's recorded two shut-outs. Unless the Hurricanes clinch a playoff berth without the ability to gain a better playoff seeding, look for this streak to extend to 29 straight starts and beyond as Ward starts every one of the seven remaining games in the regular season. 22 games is already the longest streak of consecutive starts in Ward's career.
Rod Brind'Amour has points in each of the last four games. The captain has been on an absolute tear lately. Prior to March 7th, Brind'Amour hadn't scored a goal since December 23rd. That's a 23-game span without putting one in the back of the net. Including that goal against Calgary on March 7th, Brind'Amour scored a goal in four straight games, and has notched a point in every game but one since then. Think it's a coincidence that #17 has 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) while the Hurricanes have a record of 7-1-2 in that stretch?
Anton Babchuk has points in each of the last two games. A two-game streak may not sound all that impressive, but in the case of Babchuk it's only a microcosm of how good he's been for a longer period of time. The Ukrainian with the missile-powered slapshot has 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in the Hurricanes' last 17 games. Babchuk has become a serious offensive threat from the blue line for the 'Canes, scoring six times with the man-advantage. His shot has always had a fierce velocity, but hard work has paid off in the accuracy department this season. Babchuk ranks second among Carolina defensemen (behind Joe Corvo's 14) with 12 goals this season, and his (+13) leads the team in plus/minus.
