The Carolina Hurricanes' inefficiencies so far in the 2013-14 NHL season can be largely blamed on their special teams, which have proven abysmal across the board.
However, advanced statistics indicate that under-the-radar improvements in both the power play and penalty kill could soon yield tangible results.
At the moment, the Hurricanes' special teams picture looks bleaker than Raleigh's holiday weather.
The power play ranks 27th in the NHL with a 12.5 percent conversion rate and is just 4-for-38 (10.5 percent) in the last dozen games.
The penalty kill, meanwhile, ranks 23rd with a 79.5 percent kill rate and has been torched for four goals (on seven appearances) in the last five periods.
Add the two numbers together, and Carolina's overall special teams rating stands at 92.0 percent, third worst in North America. That informal statistic places the 'Canes ahead of only the Islanders (88.6) and Panthers (84.1) and behind even the Sabres (92.8).
Metropolitan Division-leading Pittsburgh, conversely, tops the NHL with a 114.0 rating. The Penguins will face the Hurricanes Friday, ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
Are Carolina Hurricanes’ Special Teams Due for an Improvement?
December 23rd, 2013 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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