CANES POWER PLAY CONNECTS FOR THREE, CANES WIN
Carolina
The Hurricanes have started a new streak of three straight wins and are trying to keep pace with the powerhouse New York Islanders. The latest victims were the Columbus Blue Jackets who took a mere 4 minor penalties, but three of wich ended up costing the team.
Up front and center for the Canes was sophomore center Kyle Wellwood, who exploded for 5 points, including notching his 13th of the season, good enough for second on the team, and second only to linemate Jeff Friesen who leads with 17. Wellwood, 23, continues to roll along this season and now sits at 28 points in 34 games.
"It was no secret that we dealt Brendan Morrison to Ottawa because we as an organization felt it was Wellwood's time to step up," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "I am somewhat surprised by how well he has taken on that role, but not that surprised that I didn't think he could handle it. He has had a great year so far."
Wellwood's success started the day that gritty right winger Darcy Tucker was acquired. When the veteran arrived to Carolina, he was immediately put on a line with Wellwood and the speedy Jeff Friesen and the trio has not looked back.
"Playing with two guys like Freeze and Tuck have made it a lot easier on me," said Wellwood. "The two of them have been around a while and they know about the little things that make guys successful. I try and keep up, I try and set them up and I try and contribute offensively and so far it has worked."
The trio is also +14 since the arrival of Tucker proving that the threesome can also do their fair share of defense.
"I am never worried about putting them out," said Quenneville. "Each of them brings a little something different to the line. Wellwood's is creativity, Friesen's is his speed and Tucker's is commitment to winning at all costs. Together they are pretty much a complete line."
Carolina will take the next day off completely as Quenneville felt the team needed a bit of a break. Look for rookie Robert Gherson to get the next start in hopes of allowing Theodore the much needed rest he deserves.
The Hurricanes have started a new streak of three straight wins and are trying to keep pace with the powerhouse New York Islanders. The latest victims were the Columbus Blue Jackets who took a mere 4 minor penalties, but three of wich ended up costing the team.Up front and center for the Canes was sophomore center Kyle Wellwood, who exploded for 5 points, including notching his 13th of the season, good enough for second on the team, and second only to linemate Jeff Friesen who leads with 17. Wellwood, 23, continues to roll along this season and now sits at 28 points in 34 games.
"It was no secret that we dealt Brendan Morrison to Ottawa because we as an organization felt it was Wellwood's time to step up," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "I am somewhat surprised by how well he has taken on that role, but not that surprised that I didn't think he could handle it. He has had a great year so far."
Wellwood's success started the day that gritty right winger Darcy Tucker was acquired. When the veteran arrived to Carolina, he was immediately put on a line with Wellwood and the speedy Jeff Friesen and the trio has not looked back.
"Playing with two guys like Freeze and Tuck have made it a lot easier on me," said Wellwood. "The two of them have been around a while and they know about the little things that make guys successful. I try and keep up, I try and set them up and I try and contribute offensively and so far it has worked."
The trio is also +14 since the arrival of Tucker proving that the threesome can also do their fair share of defense.
"I am never worried about putting them out," said Quenneville. "Each of them brings a little something different to the line. Wellwood's is creativity, Friesen's is his speed and Tucker's is commitment to winning at all costs. Together they are pretty much a complete line."
Carolina will take the next day off completely as Quenneville felt the team needed a bit of a break. Look for rookie Robert Gherson to get the next start in hopes of allowing Theodore the much needed rest he deserves.
posted by Lohaus at 3:23 PM
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