The Carolina Hurricanes have no problem getting shots on goal. They’re averaging 30.9 of them, just one fewer than the NHL-leading Sabres (31.9).
The problem the ‘Canes have is actually scoring on those shots. Which is a pretty big problem, when you think about it. Carolina has the 27th-ranked offense, thanks to a shooting percentage of just 6.9.
It’s been a problem for a while now.
“That’s been our history the past few years,” assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour told the News & Observer. “We have a tendency to get a lot of shots but we’re not a real, real gifted team to put the puck in the net that much. We need to create more and find more ways to get more Grade A chances.”
One theory is that the ‘Canes lack the size and grit to dominate the tough scoring areas. For instance, little Nathan Gerbe has a career shooting percentage of just 6.2. Why is that?
Brind’Amour, meanwhile, would like to see his defensemen contributing more at even strength. Justin Faulk has five goals, but all five were on the power play. Ron Hainsey is the only blue-liner who’s scored without the help of a man advantage.
As we know, GM Ron Francis has some big decisions to make about his roster. Pending unrestricted free agents include Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg, Gerbe, John-Michael Liles, and Cam Ward.
Getting a guy who can put the puck in the net -- not just on the net -- should be right at the top of his shopping list.