Tim Brent has moved to power-play time and it has given the Hurricanes a different look.
It also has corresponded with spans of more power-play production as Brent offers a steady influence.
"He's calm back there," coach Kirk Muller said. "He sets it up. He's kind of the quarterback of that unit. He has been a nice, poised guy who kind of calms it down back there."
Though Brent has been primarily a fourth-line center, his spot on power-play units has helped balance ice time among forwards.
Brent's power-play goal Tuesday night wasn't enough in a 4-2 loss at the New York Rangers.
There's also the benefit of allowing Brent to serve as the play-maker on the power plays. This frees rookie defenseman Justin Faulk to be in position for more shots.
Brent has 10 goals this season as the Hurricanes head to Thursday night's home game against St. Louis.
NOTES, QUOTES
-Goalie Cam Ward lost his second decision in a row Tuesday night. That leaves him with 199 career victories. "I hope to get that 200th sooner rather than later," he said.
-Left wing/center Jeff Skinner and left wing/center Jussi Jokinen have been bouncing back and forth between roles on the second line. Most recently, Skinner has moved back to wing, giving the Hurricanes more speed on the outside. It also takes some pressure off Skinner, as he's still going through a learning process with some of the responsibilities at center.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"More and more guys right now I'd rather get them rested up and save them for the games." -- Coach Kirk Muller, on players missing practice time in order to help heal injuries.
