We’re officially a third of the way through the 2022-23 season, so let’s take a look at my preseason hot takes for the Carolina Hurricanes and how they are panning out. Despite a plethora of injuries and a late November scoring slump, the Hurricanes find themselves atop the Metropolitan Division.
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It’s been a very unconventional journey to this point for the Hurricanes. With key injuries to Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Teravainen, and Frederik Andersen, they have leaned on depth and outstanding play from rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
Take 1: Frederik Andersen Sets Career High in Wins
After arguably a career-best season in 2021-22, I predicted that Andersen would pick up where he left off and set a career-high in wins this season. However, a lower leg injury has sidelined him since early November putting an early end to this hot take. Kochetkov has been outstanding in place of the injured Andersen, putting himself in the Calder Trophy conversation with a 10-1-4 record so far this season. He’s also near the top of the league in goals-against average and save percentage with 1.94 and .928, respectively.
My prediction for his 2022-23 season is 39 wins and a save percentage of .925-plus, which would put him squarely in contention for the Vezina Trophy.
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It will be interesting to see how Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour handles the goalie situation when Andersen returns to full health. I personally would ride the hot hand with Kochetkov, as he’s got all the confidence in the world right now. If he falters at any point Andersen and Antti Raanta offer a variety of playoff experience and have both shown the ability to play at a high level when healthy.
Take 2: Martin Necas Has Breakout Season, Finishes With 60-Plus Points
At the time of writing the initial piece, this was the take I had the least amount of confidence in, but it appears to be the only one I’m going to get correct. Martin Necas has been spectacular to this point of the season. Through 32 games played he leads the Hurricanes with 30 points (13 goals and 17 assists). Necas has also kept the offense rolling early this season amidst key injuries to Aho and Teravainen.
I believe Necas will make a major jump this season and set career-highs offensively in a breakout…
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