Pucking the Trends: Carolina downgraded to Tropical Storm

In this week’s Pucking the Trends, I discuss the ‘Canes struggles, why the Leafs no longer blow, Vancouver’s returning stars, Blue-line scoring, and games between tired and well rested opponents.

Carolina tropical storms

So what do oddsmakers think of the Carolina Hurricanes?

On Saturday the Columbus Blue Jackets were -204 favorites against the ‘Canes. It was the first time since 2006 the Blue Jackets were favorites of -200 or greater.

That was before Cam Ward got injured.

Carolina, already missing its two best forwards in Eric Staal and Ray Whitney, will be without the services of its Conn Smythe winning netminder for up to four weeks.

“He (Ward) stabilized us,” said Hurricanes forward Erik Cole. “Everyone has confidence in him to perform.”

Manny Legace has been signed by the ‘Canes to split time in net with Michael Leighton.

The Hurricanes have lost 12 straight games, including six consecutive in regulation.

Read the entire article here.