There was much talk before the season about the Carolina Hurricanes’ defensemen, of the group being young, talented, mobile and the perfect fit for the NHL’s fast, uptempo style of game.
If the Canes were to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2009, the D corps would be a big part of it, everyone agreed.
Now 26 games into the season, the Hurricanes (11-10-5) are below the playoff cut line and at times still starved for goals – Carolina is 22nd in scoring at 2.80 goals a game. One reason: little help from the back end.