When the Hurricanes are at their best, it is not rare to see extended stretches of play in their opponents end. It takes a strong forecheck and careful puck management, but when Carolina is able to establish their cycle they can dominate possession.
Unlike some teams, the Canes heavily involve their defense in their offensive zone cycle and Thursday night’s game against San Jose was one of the their best forechecking exhibits of the season.
As Jordan Martinook enters the zone down the left wing, the San Jose backcheckers collapse towards the slot. Martinook flings a shot that careens around the boards to the point where Dougie Hamilton promptly puts the puck back in deep.