The Carolina Hurricanes will have the opportunity to complete the finish off the New York Rangers in six games tonight.
Unfortunately, their $6.1 million centre, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, is not the reason they've gotten to this position.
KK had a season clearly below expectations and it didn't get any better in the playoffs. After scoring 9 goals in only 29 playoff games with the Montreal Canadiens, he has 0 goals (and 1 point) in 12 playoff games in Carolina.
Remember that in the season, KK lost almost 3 full minutes of ice time per game. That's a lot! (He also lost 40 seconds of time on the power play, compared to his usage in Montreal)
Finally, he is much less used and valued in Carolina, than he was with the Habs. Here you go.
In the playoffs, in the last few days, his playing time is in free fall (around 8-9 minutes per game)
And finally, here is the statistic that strikes me the most:
"Jesperi Kotkaniemi: 0 goals, 1 point in playoffs. He has one goal in his last 31 games (playoffs + regular season). #LetsGoCanes" - NHL Watcher
I do wonder if the Canes are still that proud of their shot... Instead of getting better, it's getting worse for KK in Carolina.
-
Did the Canadiens make a good move in not signing Kotkaniemi?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Two of the four final names for Utah's NHL team revealed by owner