Up and Down: Grading the Carolina Hurricanes' First Five Games

It's time to take a look back at the Carolina Hurricanes' first five games of the 2009-2010 season. Many 'Canes experts were feeling confident heading into the season, but the inconsistent start has mellowed some enthusiasm.

All in all, the Hurricanes are 2-3 where it counts. Still, there have been some ups (as well as plenty of downs), and the difficult schedule has made it tough on them.

So lets take a moment to review and grade the how the different units of the Hurricanes team have fared so far in their first 10 days.

Game-by-Game Breakdowns

Game One - Philadelphia 2, Carolina 0

In a more competitive game than the score showed, the Flyers came into Raleigh and quieted down a sellout opening-day crowd at the RBC Center in their 2-0 victory.

Cam Ward was solid during 59 of the 60 minutes, but back-to-back power-play goals to open the second period set up by Samsanov's double-minor gave the Flyers a two-goal edge they held for the rest of the game. Questioned Philly goaltender Ray Emery was stellar in a 28-save shutout.

Grade: C+

Game Two - Carolina 2, Boston 7

Carolina came into Boston for their second game of the season looking for their first goal. They got goals, from Scott Walker and Eric Staal, but the game was still another crushing defeat.

Marc Savard, Michael Ryder, Blake Wheeler and Marco Sturm all scored on Ward before he was replaced by Leighton late in the second. Wideman, Thornton and Hunwick also scored for Boston as the Bruins converted four times on a whopping 12 power-play opportunities.

Grade: D-

Game Three - Tampa Bay 1, Carolina 2 (SO)

After a horrible back-to-back to start the season, Carolina came out strong at home without TV coverage and beat the Lightning 2-1 in a shootout.

Jussi Jokinen's power-play goal in the first period set off the horn for the first time in Raleigh, but Ryan Malone's second-period strike tied the game at one.

After a stagnant overtime, Samsanov and Ruutu scored in the shootout to record the first two points of the season for Carolina.

Grade: A-

Game Four - Florida 2, Carolina 7

A slow start finally broke open last Friday as the Hurricanes rolled over the Florida Panthers 7-2.

After three first-period goals, the Hurricanes cruised through the remainder of the game without as much as a bump. Kostopoulus and Harrison both scored for the first time with the Hurricanes. Jokinen, Ruutu, Whitney, Cullen and Brind'Amour all added tallies.

Grade: A+

Game Five - Carolina 2, Tampa Bay 5

After a great defensive effort in the first period, the score broke open in the second and the 'Canes lost it in the third. Ryan Malone scored a hat-trick and already has four goals in two games against Carolina. The Lightning beat the Hurricanes for the first time in eight games.

Cam Ward was splendid early, but the Hurricanes' lack of discipline led to too many Tampa Bay power plays for him to survive.

Grade: B-

Power Play

On Paper: 4-for-29, 13.8 percent.

This part of the score sheet looked pretty miserable until the fifth game versus Tampa Bay. Actually, it still does.

Eric Staal started out playing the unit on the point, which was odd and ineffective. After the move to upper forward in the diamond position, he became more productive, making several nice passes and recording a nicely-timed wrap-around goal to open the scoring against Tampa.

Still, only four power play goals have been scored despite a ton of chances, just like last year. This unit must improve for the 'Canes to do well.

Grade: C+

Discipline

On Paper: 33 Power Plays Allowed.

One word: dismal.

That's exactly the way to describe the Carolina Hurricanes, who somehow managed to be the best in the league in this category last season.

They've been giving up almost seven power plays per game so far, and it hasn't been helping the penalty kill or Cam Ward's numbers. This must stop, or the terms "hooking," "interference," and "high-sticking" will be forever embedded in the minds of 'Canes defensemen.

Grade: D

Penalty Kill

On Paper: 25-for-33, 76 percent.

Just another unit sitting among the worst in the NHL. However, the over-working certainly hasn't helped then and there has been improvement recently.

Still, Cam Ward's been the only guy doing anything to stop the power plays, which have been coming very often.

Grade: C

Shot Production/Shots Allowed

On Paper: 142 Total Produced (28.4 per game), 165 Allowed (33 per game).

On the score sheet, we've been outshot. But this category has not become a big concern yet, and most of the differential came from the blowout in Boston.

The lower lines have been quite productive, while the top line has not been doing quite as well.

Grade: B

Other Notes:

1. Sergei Samsanov—He's yet to record a goal, and he's a -2. Samsanov also has 10 PIM already, including a double-minor versus Philadelphia that led to both of the Flyers' goals. With a new role on the first and second lines because of Cole's injury, he must step up his game.
2. Rod Brind'Amour—After a slump-filled season last year, the captain has three points in five appearances and is +2. His work ethic has also been great and he has been a key piece in the recent power-play chemistry.
3. Jay Harrison —The offseason arrival from Toronto has performed very well, filling in for resting Joni Pitkanen. He recorded his first goal as a 'Cane Friday against Florida.

Upcoming Schedule

The Hurricanes will play next Wednesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at the RBC Center.

They will then start a four-game road trip at New Jersey on Saturday. They'll face the Islanders next Wednesday in New York. That is followed by a three-game stand against Western Conference foes Colorado, Minnesota and St. Louis.

Watch for big performances against Pittsburgh and New Jersey to get the Hurricanes back on track.

Note: For those of you who have not yet heard, I have been promoted to Community Leader and Featured Columnist for the Carolina Hurricanes. Email me any comments or questions you have at [e-mail].