(Morrisville) For the Hurricanes, the contribution of Jordan Martinook is not measured in goals and assists, even if he collected nine points since the beginning of the series against the Devils.
A key part of Carolina’s forecheck, Martinook has provided three goals and six assists against New Jersey in four games.
In command 3-1, the Hurricanes will have the chance to dismiss the Devils Thursday night in Raleigh.
“I’m happy to help the team win,” said Martinook, a 30-year-old Manitoban. Let’s hope it continues but what matters more is that we lead the series 3-1. »
Martinook set a personal-high with 34 personal season points.
He was effective in the first round (where Carolina beat the Islanders in six games), but failed to earn a point.
Against the Devils, it’s full throttle: he became the first player of his team to collect more than one point in four straight games during the playoffs.
“I think even in the regular season I haven’t been so productive in such a short time (in NHL career), Martinook said. Playing with confidence helps so much. »
Carolina had to deal with Max Pacioretty’s Achilles tendon injury, when we had just gotten him in a trade.
Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen also fell in battle, forcing the club to bet more on depth, so that the attack comes from just about everyone.
“Jordan plays intensely. He’s a leader, said defenseman Jalen Chatfield. He inspires us to give even more effort. »
Prior to the start of the current playoffs, Martinook had amassed 11 points in 35 playoff games.
“It’s classic: we talk more about the big scorers and other hard-working guys sometimes get left behind,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. He hasn’t changed the way he plays at all. It’s just that he’s been involved in a fair amount of goals these days. »