It is often said that the blue lines are the most important part of the ice. Good puck management and wise decisions in the five feet on either side of each blue line are crucial, and especially as the stakes get higher in the playoffs. Mistakes at the offensive blue line, in particular, can be disastrous, leading to turnovers and scoring chances for the opposition.
With the Hurricanes’ defensemen becoming even more involved in the offense, poor decision making at the offensive blue line can often wind up with the Canes on the wrong end of an odd man rush.