The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 4-3 on Saturday night (April 4) at the Lenovo Center to go 49-21-6 on the season. They sit with 104 points and are another step closer to winning a fourth division title in the last six seasons. The Hockey Writers were able to ask questions postgame with head coach Rod Brind’Amour and some of the players.
Seth Jarvis
After scoring two goals, giving him 32 on the season, Seth Jarvis continues to push for another career season. He is one goal away from tying a career high, even with missing eight games due to injury. He’s been on a mission to be one of the main cogs in what hopefully is the Hurricanes winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
When asked about having smaller goals as stepping stones to the bigger goal of winning the Stanley Cup, he stated, “It’s really cool. Obviously, goal number one from the start of the season is to make the playoffs. So being able to clinch them, and now it’s just kind of making sure we’re ready for when that time comes, whoever we play against, it’s just one step at a time. Clinching is definitely a cool feeling.”
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The Hurricanes currently sit with 104 points with six games remaining in the regular season. They’ve already secured their eighth straight playoff appearance in the Brind’Amour era. While it is a franchise record, it’s evident that the main goal is to win a Stanley Cup. However, being able to do these smaller goals en route to the biggest of them all matters as well.
Jackson Blake
Heading into the season, Jackson Blake was someone poised to take a step in his sophomore season. After tallying 17 goals and 34 points last season, what was next for the young forward? In 76 games, he has 22 goals and 47 points. Being able to go from 17 goals and 34 points to a potential 25-goal and 50-point season is what any team would love to see from a young forward.
Ahead of the regular season, THW asked Blake what his mindset was going into his second full season in the NHL. Well, as luck would have it, we were able to get a follow-up with the 22-year-old on how he’s feeling right now with six games left before the playoffs.
Blake stated, “I obviously am a guy who always wants the best for myself and pushes myself pretty hard to take it to that standard to not only have success but just to help the team win. Playing my role, and I think there’s even a lot more in me, too. I think last year was more of a learning curve for me. But this year I think it’s gone pretty well for the most part, took a big step, and hopefully continue to grow.”
Related: Hurricanes’ Shayne Gostisbehere’s Emerging Role as a Two-Way Defenseman
There has certainly been a lot to admire from the Minnesota native about how his second season in the NHL has gone. Even then, the drive does not end for Blake, as he wants to continue getting better. He’s not even in his prime yet, and there are already glimpses of what could be a star player in this league. Give him four more seasons, and we could be talking about Blake being somewhere closer to an elite star player bordering on a superstar.
Nonetheless, Blake has definitely shown that he will always strive to get better, and he will be one to watch as his career continues.
Rod Brind’Amour
Following the team’s win, Brind’amour felt good with how the game went, even with how it got hairy later ahead of the final horn. In the end, the Hurricanes are one win away from 50 and closing in on another division title. After the game, THW was able to get a couple of questions with the head coach.
When asked about having smaller goals to eventually lead to the ultimate goal, Brind’Amour stated, “I wish I was better at it. I wish because this whole crying of the season is not that big a deal. Maybe we need to restructure it differently, making it mean a little more. But I think we all know the prize is still up there. It qualifies you to go after it. That’s what we’re all here trying to do.”
While the playoff format is still a hot-button discussion, it does make the regular season interesting in how teams can get in based on division points and conference performances. In the end, it’s one goal achieved, but the ultimate is still out there to capture.
In regards to Shayne Gostisbehere, when asked about his role being bigger than what he’s known for and being able to adapt to it, Brind’Amour said, “They [Gostisbehere and Alexander Nikishin] did have a gaffe on that one goal. Overall, it’s obviously something that we talk about as a group, then individuals have to accept that. Whether you’re 6-(foot)-6 or we talk about a smaller guy, you’ve still got a job to do. I think his reads are really good, which helps him play defense. That’s what really is his strength.”
The Hurricanes have six games left before the playoffs begin on the weekend of April 18 and 19. They will be looking to win the Metropolitan Division on Sunday night (April 5) against the Ottawa Senators. For now, it’s about staying healthy and finishing the season on a high note. Being able to get win number 49 is another step closer to the end goal. The question remains, how many more wins will the Hurricanes collect before the 82-game regular season comes to a close?
