Canes Power Play Gaining Momentum

The Canes power play is showing a lot more power. The return of a healthy Matt Cullen and the acquisition of puck moving defenseman Joe Corvo have revitalized a Hurricanes power play that - in recent weeks - hasn’t been very powerful.

Consider this: The Canes four power-play goals scored against Washington are more than the Caps had allowed in their previous 10 games combined. In fact, the Caps had not allowed a power-play goal in their last six games.

“It’s not just about his shot,” says Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette. “Obviously, that’s important. But it’s the way he moves, and the way he brings it up the ice, and the way they all slide and move together. It just creates openings and seams and opportunities.”

You can see now why Jim Rutherford paid such a heavy price to acquire Corvo. He fits the Canes’ system.

“There are not a lot of restrictions,” Corvo said. “(I’ve) kind of got the green light to jump in on plays. It’s fun hockey.”

Cullen’s return certainly doesn’t hurt. He was a major part of the Hurricanes’ power play during their Stanley Cup run. Now healthy, Cullen is showing the form he displayed in 2006.

“It's helped a lot,” says Canes center Eric Staal. “His ability to see the ice along with Joe makes a big difference.”

Never one to brag, Cullen laughed when asked what he brings to the power play, saying: “I don’t know, good looks?”