NHL Mailbag: Can Martin Necas Keep It Up While Aho and Svechnikov Struggle?
Welcome to the NHL.com mailbag, where fans toss their burning questions like a Zamboni on ice, and we respond with the ice-cold analytics. Today, we’re focusing on the Carolina Hurricanes—yes, those boys in the storm who are giving us a show like it’s a circus under the big top!
Necas: The Hot Shot
Let’s start with Martin Necas, who has ignited his game like it’s his birthday and he’s blowing out the candles on a cake made of hope and determination. With 30 points in 18 games, including a jaw-dropping 27 points in a 13-game point streak before it was snapped by the Philadelphia Flyers, Necas is strutting around with a 170-point pace. That’s hotter than a summer BBQ! However, we all know that flames diminish; so, while he’s on fire now, don’t be shocked if he takes a little dip into the waters of mediocrity.
The Aho and Svechnikov Situation
But here’s the kicker—while Necas is lighting the lamp, his fellow forwards Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov seem to be having a hard time finding their way to the offensive zone. Aho is barely registering with 11 even-strength points and Svechnikov is even worse, sitting at eight points. But fear not! Aho is spending nearly 50% of his shifts in the offensive zone, so he’s got the puck a lot—he just seems to be on a quest to redefine “snakebit.” Seriously, it’s like watching a cat trying to catch its own tail!
The Numbers Game
Now, let’s talk statistics because, let’s face it, stats can be more fascinating than the romance section in a bookstore. Aho has taken 13 high-danger shots but has converted just ONE goal! Talk about a goalie’s best friend—those missed opportunities are like watching a magician fumble their tricks. Svechnikov is not too shabby either, boasting four goals on 28 shots. Both forwards are generating scoring chances galore, but they couldn’t finish a meal at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
What Does It Mean for the Hurricanes?
So, can the Hurricanes maintain their momentum with a sprinter like Necas while Aho and Svechnikov are stumbling over the blue line? It’s a topsy-turvy situation, but let’s remember that it’s a long season, folks. Hockey is full of surprises—think of it like a soap opera with a lot more ice. Sure, Necas might cool down; however, if Aho and Svechnikov can rediscover their scoring touch, the Hurricanes could strike a balance that would make even Goldilocks proud!
Conclusion: Stay Tuned!
So, what’s the verdict? NECAS is the hot new kid on the block, but history shows that the best things come with a side of patience. If Aho and Svechnikov find their footing, then the Hurricanes are in for a charge that could blow the roof off the league! Until then, grab your popcorn and enjoy the spectacular chaos of the NHL.
Here is the Nov. 20 edition of the weekly NHL.com mailbag, where we address your insightful questions submitted on X and Bluesky. If you wish to participate, send your questions to @drosennhl and @NHLdotcom on X, or @drosennhl.bsky.social on Bluesky, and be sure to tag them with #OvertheBoards.
How likely is it that Martin Necas will continue his torrid pace? And as a flipside of that question, how long can the Hurricanes keep up their success with both Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov struggling to be effective in 5-on-5? — @jackmanley.bsky.social
Necas has tallied an impressive 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) over just 18 games this season, which showcases his remarkable scoring ability. Remarkably, he enjoyed a 13-game point streak that was recently halted against the Philadelphia Flyers, during which he amassed 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists). This outstanding performance translated to an astonishing 170-point pace for a full 82-game season during that stretch. Currently, he is on track for a commendable 136-point pace for the entire season. While his red-hot form has been a significant boon for the Hurricanes—who stand at a formidable 14-4-0 record—there’s an expectation that a dip in performance will inevitably occur at some point. This is crucial as Aho and Svechnikov struggle to contribute effectively at even strength.
Aho’s contributions consist of 11 even-strength points (four goals, seven assists) after recently adding a goal and an assist in the victory over the Flyers, while Svechnikov has notched only eight points (two goals, six assists) throughout the same span. Both have been reliable players, having participated in all 18 games thus far. Meanwhile, Necas leads the team’s even-strength production with 18 points, closely followed by teammates Eric Robinson and Jordan Martinook, both contributing 12 points, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi adds 11 points and Jack Roslovic matches with 11 points, showcasing a balanced offensive attack even despite the struggles of Aho and Svechnikov.
Upon analyzing Aho’s situation, it becomes evident that he has been heavily involved offensively, spending 48.7 percent of his even-strength shifts in the offensive zone compared to just 32.7 percent in the defensive zone, as highlighted by NHL Edge stats. This significant imbalance indicates he has control of the puck often, as evidenced by his 13 high-danger shots on goal; however, he has converted just once, pointing to a finishing issue rather than a lack of opportunities. Similarly, Svechnikov has found the back of the net only four times on 28 high-danger shots, indicating he, too, is not converting despite generating chances, with a noteworthy offensive zone shift rate of 47.2 percent.
Necas’ current hot streak is pivotal in propelling the Hurricanes’ offense, particularly in a challenging period where Aho and Svechnikov face difficulties, and with the additional pressure of forward Seth Jarvis sidelined due to injury. Although it’s likely that Necas will eventually cool off, the statistical trends suggest that both Aho and Svechnikov are primed to elevate their even-strength production soon, which would be critical to maintaining the Hurricanes’ offensive prowess.
How might the performance of Aho and Svechnikov impact the overall offensive strategy of the Hurricanes moving forward?
**Interview: Breaking Down the Hurricanes’ Scoring Dynamics with NHL Analyst Jane Doe**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jane! Let’s jump right into it. Martin Necas has been on fire this season, particularly with that remarkable point streak. How sustainable do you think his current pace is?
**Jane Doe:** Thanks for having me! Necas’s recent performance has been outstanding—30 points in 18 games is no small feat. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining such a torrid pace over the whole season is incredibly challenging. The NHL is a marathon, not a sprint, and players often experience fluctuations in form. While he might cool off a bit, I do believe he can still produce at a high level even if it’s not at the 170-point pace we’ve seen recently.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense! Speaking of fluctuations, what are your thoughts on Aho and Svechnikov’s struggles? Are they simply having a tough time finding their rhythm, or could there be more to it?
**Jane Doe:** I think it’s a combination of factors. Both Aho and Svechnikov are key players for the Hurricanes, and they’ve been generating chances—it’s just that they haven’t been able to convert them into points. Aho has had his fair share of high-danger opportunities but has struggled to finish; he’s just snakebitten right now. Svechnikov’s situation is similar, as his shot conversion isn’t where it needs to be. This lack of five-on-five production could be concerning for the Hurricanes moving forward, especially if they rely heavily on Necas to carry the team.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that Aho spends a lot of time in the offensive zone. Could that suggest that his performance will pick up soon, or is it more concerning?
**Jane Doe:** His ice time in the offensive zone is definitely a positive sign, indicating that he’s involved in the play. It suggests that he has the right positioning and is in the right mindset to score. However, it also indicates some frustration since he’s not finding the back of the net. If he can remain persistent and the opportunities keep coming, eventually, the scales should tip in his favor, and we may see a resurgence in his scoring.
**Interviewer:** With the Hurricanes on such a strong path so far, can they sustain success with just Necas shining in the offense?
**Jane Doe:** They’ve done well up to this point, but relying heavily on one player can be problematic in the long run. If Aho and Svechnikov can rediscover their scoring touch, it will create a more balanced attack and help the team maintain their momentum. On the other hand, if Necas does start to cool off and Aho and Svechnikov remain inconsistent, the Hurricanes could struggle. It’s crucial for the team to find their balance, especially if they aim for a deep playoff run.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as a fan, what should we keep an eye on as the season progresses?
**Jane Doe:** I’d definitely keep an eye on Aho and Svechnikov’s performance in the next few weeks. Their ability to break through their slump will be pivotal for the Hurricanes’ success. Additionally, monitoring how Necas handles the pressure of being the main offensive driver will be fascinating. As always, hockey is full of surprises, so expect the unexpected!
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Jane, for your insights! It’ll be exciting to see how the season unfolds.
**Jane Doe:** My pleasure! Enjoy the games!
