Was at the game last night with a friend that doesn't see many Canes games. His comment about mid way through the game: "Wow, your defensemen pinch a lot."
I always knew that, but kind of became accustomed to it so as I watched more intently as the game wore on, it was incredible how often they do. They pinch on every 50/50 puck and sometimes even when they aren't going to win the battle and it's not always because they have a high forward helping them out or the other defenseman has dropped back. Most often, they are effective in either getting the puck back in the zone or at least disrupting it enough to prevent a break-away or odd man rush, but it's easy to see why the team seems to give up few shots, but more grade A chances.
I don't think I can ever blame a defenseman on the Canes again for a "Bad Pinch" because this is clearly something that is coached since all 6 defensemen were doing the exact same thing, even when the Canes were holding a lead late.
Ward was great last night.
Staal line was great last night, particularly Staal and Aho. Aho was the best skater on the ice last night.
4th line looked good. PDG was noticeable.
Thought all of the defensemen played well last night overall. Couple of scary passes from Dahlbeck and a few others (I remember one from Pesce).
Rest of the forward lines pretty much stunk. Williams had a couple of "WTF" moments that you shouldn't see from a vet like him. Skinner looks lost out there. Ryan and Rask were totally ineffective. McGinn and Lindholm probably the most noticeable of the middle six forwards, but were just "OK" at ES.
Overall, a good and needed win. I'm not worried about other teams winning in the Metro right now. The Canes have a ton of games against the teams they are competing with for a playoff spot (Boston, Rangers, Flyers, Pens, Devils, Caps, etc...). How they do against those teams will determine if they make the playoffs or not. Beat those teams and they'll make the playoffs. Do average or poorly against those teams and they won't.