Will Slavin be ready for after break? - @tubbeed
That's the hope.
Rod Brind'Amour mentioned in several interviews during Slavin's now six-game absence that if this were the playoffs, he'd be playing. But, given the Canes current position in the standings and their 5-0 record without the trusty defender, there's been no rush.
I think it's also encouraging that he's been taking part in practices and morning skates. Now with nine days to fully rest up, I think the odds that #74 is on the lineup on Saturday, February 11 against New York are pretty good.
Look at the approach that was taken with Sebastian Aho. He missed six games due to a minor issue in December and his scorching January suggests that he feels just fine now.
Same thing with Frederik Andersen. Was it a bit trying for some to understand why he was on the shelf for as long as he was from November to January? Yes, but look at his return since the injury. 6-0.
Prediction for how many games will get to overtime in the second half? - @\_amdsoftball
We have our winner for the funniest question of the day.
18 of the team's 51 games thus far this season have needed three-on-three play, equating to just about one-third of the season.
If you want an actual prediction from me? Put me down for nine of the remaining 31. If you're reading this, feel free to reply with your prediction. I'll set the over/under at 8.5.
Games get tighter and tighter as we get to the playoffs, right? The schedule the rest of the way includes a few matchups against teams that will either assuredly be in post-season play or are fighting for spots to be there. Carolina will play the Rangers, Capitals, Lightning, and Golden Knights all multiple times the rest of the way and I suspect that in several of them, we'll need more than 60 minutes.
For reference, Carolina played 15 overtime games all of last season (only five teams played fewer), and the Chicago Blackhawks led the league with 24.
Do you think the Canes will try to pick up anyone at the deadline to replace Patches? If so, who? - @bethmysoul
Before we get too deep into this question, the NHL's trade deadline is Friday, March 3 at 3 p.m. EST. Mark your calendar now before February gets away from us.
Now, do I think the Canes will try to pick anyone up? Of course, I think they'll try to add to make their team better. Management is always exploring ways to try and make the team better.
Look at last year for example. The team was 31-9-2 at the break and when the deadline came, the unit added Max Domi to try and help their playoff run. The move also came just hours after Rod Brind'Amour had said that it didn't look like the Canes were going to do anything.
However, given the cap space and that Max Pacioretty was viewed as an internal deadline add, and the circumstances that have transpired since, it would not surprise me at all for the team to explore some additions.
But again, that's just my two cents. I could also be entirely wrong. Clearly, there's a lot going right when the team is 23-3-3 and has the best record in the league since December 1. There is the old adage of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
During period breaks, I've seen the players throw their gloves to staff near a machine with upright tubes. Does this dry their gloves, or attempt to? - @DugginsBetsey
You got it exactly right, Betsey.
(Please excuse the very dated photo, as well as the non-Canes colored gloves.)
