The Carolina Hurricanes are one of the best teams top to bottom, however, they do not get the recognition that some teams get. This team is unbelievably fast and yet can put you through the boards. The Hurricanes have made it to the 2022 NHL Playoffs but their opponent is still unknown. Does their first-round opponent stand a chance?
Throughout the season, Carolina has boasted some talented, young stars that are elevating their game at the right time. Those players have helped the team rise when they were down and look to do so in the most insane, critical part of any hockey season.
What I have done below is talk about four Carolina Hurricanes players that will lead the charge this postseason. What is different about the four players that have been chosen is that may not be the most productive, getting the spotlight, and maybe even flying under the radar. However, playoff hockey is about grinding, playing physical hockey, scoring dirty goals, and blocking shots. Playoff hockey is not about highlight-reel goals or how many points you scored in the regular season. Here are my four players that will lead Carolina throughout the playoffs.
Center Seth Jarvis has been the most productive young player that most people may not know. In his first season, Jarvis has made himself known as a player who will do it all. He has produced 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in 66 games, not too bad for a rookie. Jarvis is a snarky player that can play special teams as well as add some grit.
Carolina is most likely going to face the Boston Bruins in the first round, a team that Jarvis has played twice, recording a goal and was a +3. Although Carolina has more talent and experienced stars, Jarvis could be the one that plays the pivotal role in these playoffs.
Right-winger Andrei Svevchnikov is a talented young player that does have some NHL experience. He is explosive on his skates, making defensemen look like pylons. Svechnikov is one of the more complete forwards in the league and he has the ability to steal a game while opposing players are more focused on teammates Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Taravainen.
One might forget about Svechnikov because he is not well known as offensively dominant but he does not need to be. He scores timely goals and also assists with help in the defensive and neutral zones.
He does play a physical game and uses his 6-foot2 and 195-pound body to keep the opposition honest, crucial in playoff time. In three games against the Bruins, he posted three goals and three assists for 6 points, a +3, and a PPG. During the regular season, he has 30 goals and 39 assists for 69 points in 77 games.
Defenseman Brady Skjei is not going to lead the Hurricanes in offense or game-winning goals, that is simply not his game. Skeji is a defense-first player who makes a name for himself from the neutral zone on back to the goaltender.
At 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, he is not afraid to mix it up and play the physical game is he known for. . Skeji can create offensively by laying out an opposing forward with a big hit and playing the puck to his forwards. Skeji will take care of his own end by getting his stick involved, taking away passing lanes, and clearing the crease. Those are things that are small, but critical at this time of the year. Skeji may be the most important defenseman in the playoffs, even without recording a point.
With goaltenders, Frederik Anderson and Antti Raanta both currently out of action with lower-body injuries goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov could be the one Carolina relies on. With Anderson most likely coming back sooner than later Kochetkov has played well in the small sample size in the NHL.
He has appeared in only two games but he is 2-0 with three goals against, a 2.07 GAA in 87 minutes played. He could be looked at as a backup if Raanta is unavailable or if Anderson gets lit up. Kochetkov is a quality goaltender who is capable of playing well on the biggest stage. Do not be surprised if he makes an appearance or two in the Stanley Cup playoffs and shines in the spotlight.