In the first four games of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Stefan Noesen of the Carolina Hurricanes has screened a goalie to set up a goal, scored a game-winner, forced the dumbest penalty of the series, won a fight with a big takedown and scored a power-play goal that forced overtime. Other than that, the forward has quietly gone about his business against the New York Islanders. Asked recently about battling the Isles’ Kyle MacLean mano a mano in Game 2, Noesen smiled, saying, “I don’t do it much. You’re asking the wrong person.
Pardon me? On the ice, Noesen is not a player you want to mess with. The New Jersey Devils’ Erik Haula was getting a touch too wild a year ago. After dropping the gloves, Noesen let go of Haula. That was it, really, for that postseason series. “On occasion, all you have to do is shut your eyes and toss,” Noesen remarked, smiling once more. “I’m not the world’s strongest fighter. I’m capable of doing it and will if necessary.
Tuesday at PNC Arena will see Game 5 of the series begin for the Hurricanes with a 3-1 lead. The Canes had a chance to win the series after Noesen’s power-play goal sent them into overtime in Game 4, but Mat Barzal of the Isles put an end to it with a tip early in the second overtime. Every player looks forward to the playoffs, which are dubbed the “fun time” of the season because they are harder to score on, harder hits, and more scarce opportunities to locate open ice. This features Noesen, a player who will stop at nothing to help the team win; opponents dread facing him and teammates adore him for his willingness to put aside his ego.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, right wing Stefan Noesen (23) of Carolina watches as Evgeny Kuznetsov’s shot prepares to go past New York goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) and score in the first period of the Hurricanes game against the Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Noesen stated that he did not take any “easy roads” to get to the NHL, thus Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour can expect on that effort in addition to that “little more” from him. The native Texan, who was once selected in the first round of the NHL draft, spent time playing in the AHL before being placed on waivers and having to earn every minute of his NHL ice time. He was a key player in the Chicago Wolves winning the AHL Calder Cup in 2022 after being signed by the Canes in 2021 to a one-year, two-way deal. He led the league in goals scored during the regular season with 48. Thirteen of them won the games. Noesen, 31, has been a regular in the lineup for the Canes over the last two seasons after earning a position on the team and signing a two-year contract.
“Everyone has a role, so if the coach believes in you and you can fit in…,” stated Brind’Amour. He is obviously skilled at what he does, as evidenced by his frequent usage of the internet and other platforms. Here, he’s successfully carved out a niche for himself.I believe that guys who play hockey during this season truly shine because the small things become more significant. Additionally, he takes many small actions that add up.
