Bradly Nadeau scored for the 3rd straight game -- actually he didn't because the goal didn't count due to the play being ruled offside.  But, we saw the play and it was one of those goals that makes you think that the kid could make the team.  It's at least worth a conversation.  

Canes Corner is presented by The Aluminum Company of North Carolina.

Bradly Nadeau scored twice and Jackson Blake chipped in with a pair of assists as the Canes won their first game of the preseason, 4-2, over the Nashville Predators.  The goals give Nadeau -- the team's 1st round pick in the 2023 draft -- 3 in the exhibition season as he continues to try to convince the coaching staff that he's ready for the big leagues.  Felix Unger Sorum, Carolina's second rounder that same year, also scored in the win.  He finished off a great Eric Robinson rush tapping home a beautiful pass that tied the game at 1-1 in the 1st period.  Charles Alexis Legault, a 5th round pick that same year, closed out the scoring with his first goal of the preseason as he makes his own case for the big club.  

It wasn't necessarily well-played, but it was entertaining.  Carolina lost 6-5 to the Lightning and fell to 0-3-0 in the preseason.  Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored his second goal in as many games, Givani Smith scored his first goal of the preseason and Kevin Lebanc added an assist in his third straight game in the loss.  

"Good thing the game doesn't count", was how Rod Brind'Amour summed up the 4-2 loss to the Panthers.  "Well, we learned how not to play", was what Sebastian Aho said.  But, for 40 minutes the Canes dominated the Panthers and it's best that we just talk about that.  So, let's do that.

It was just the preseason opener, but there were things worth seeing in the Canes' 2-1 loss to the Lightning.  Logan Stankoven played center, fairly well, and scored the lone Hurricanes goal.  Jackson Blake was his normal self.  Alexander Nikishin showed physicality and a multi-faceted game that is sure to make the head coach happy -- though there is a ton of room for him to get better.  There was enough to like and enough to correct before Wednesday's game with Florida.

Lots to look forward to as the Canes open the preseason against Tampa Bay.  Logan Stankoven will play center against the Lightning.  Plus, we'll see Alexander Nikishin, Bradly Nadeau and Charles-Alexis Legault in prominant roles.  

The Metropolitan Division has to have three playoff teams.  Last year, the Capitals had a magical season and finished top of the pile.  Will they repeat?  Will the Rangers bounce back?  Or will it be someone else that emerges to join -- presumably -- the Hurricanes and Devils?

From Captain Jordan Staal to Logan Stankoven, the Canes hope to be the center of attention in the Metropolitan Division.  And, reports have the Canes also lined up to add Michael McLeod to the group.  Yes, the same Michael McLeod that was the point person in that explosive trial in London, Ontario in which he and four other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Hockey gold medal-winning team were acquitted of sexual assault.  

Who might be the surprise Canes player to emerge in training camp?  Is there one?

So many people think the Hurricanes need a top ten goalie to win the cup.  But, what if I told you that wasn't true at all.  AND, the Hurricanes arguably already have one in Frederik Andersen?  

This is part two of a seven-part pre-season series.