-Tara Hun-Dorris-

I actually hope this is not the case but this did cross my mind Thursday night as the ‘Canes awarded First Star of the game to goalie Antti Raanta for stopping 23 on 25 (OK the last-second goal didn’t so much matter but still another 5-hole) against an anemic New Jersey Devils team depleted by injury and scandal. Sebastian Aho clearly earned first star, but at this point, maybe Aho is tired of his own name in lights – I doubt it, but Raanta played well and we in the home crowd gave him a standing ovation.

It was also ‘Canes momma’s night at PNC. The PNC crowd went wild, shouting “Raanta, Raanta” as, accompanied by his beaming mother, Raants gave the post-game interview. I left the arena in tears.

I love my hockey town and its love and support of our struggling goalie. Sadly, Raanta has had the worst goalie stats in the NHL this season. He currently sits at a dismal .869 with 3.14 goals against, even with a ferocious Hurricanes defense that swarms desperately to try to prevent him from having to save anything. It’s frustrating and may hold up our offensive scoring potential, but you’ve got to respect the problem: solution oriented #teamwork.

Raanta is more than an aging goalie to write off. At 34, he’s very possibly nearing the end of his career. In the past he has been a solid back-up to starter Frederick Andersen. He played well in the early play-offs last season. Let’s not forget that in 2021-2022, the Andersen-Raanta duo won the William M. Jennings Trophy, presented annually to the goalies who play a minimum of 25 games for the team allowing the fewest goals (202) during the regular season (a first for the ‘Canes/Whalers franchise).

And while I’ve never met the guy, my sense is that Raanta is a pretty good human as well as hockey player. In 2022, Raanta was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of “perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” What a great example to have for the younger players in the ‘Canes organization!

My point? Brendan Lemieux Raanta is not – he adds value of a different sort in the locker room and team dynamic even on a bad day on the ice. Just look at Raanta’s encouragement and genuine happiness for (relief on his part?) of Yaniv Perets, when he had to make his NHL debut because of Raanta’s stinker performance at PNC. Raanta seems like a good guy who wishes the best for his team.

And on a good night, he’s fun to watch! That glove save against Sidney Crosby in the recent Pittsburgh Penguins home win? The stuff of magic! His random crawling out into the faceoff circles in the early season. Comical. And he can play well when he stays out of his head and guards his five hole, neither of which seems to be his strong suite of late. And his lateral movement seems …. pained. But also, at 34, hockey has to hurt. We all break down eventually. This season has been a slog for Raants, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to be the element keeping us out of a legitimate cup run this spring.

My original question was first star, last start? But clearly it is not so as the ‘Canes announced Raanta would start tonight while I was writing this.

While the much needed return of Andersen is still unknown, our current starting goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has come off of injured reserve and – in the smart move – will play when he’s had more time to rest after the All-Star Break. And Spencer Martin, a goalie with anemic (but not worst in the league) stats picked up on waivers from the not very good Columbus Blue Jackets, performed well in his first start as a Hurricane – earning the ‘Canes a road win in Boston no less!

So maybe going forward the coaching staff starts Kochetkov with Martin for relief until Freddie’s return (or we pick up another goalie or Martin proves himself suddenly cup worthy before the trade deadline). Or maybe they lead with their hearts and start Kochetkov with Martin for away game relief and Raanta for home game relief (he plays so much better for his people), until we sort out the rest of it out. We are after all in a good spot, a win tonight out of the Metro Division lead. And apparently, management is leading with their hearts and giving Raanta the starting spot and responsibility for allowing us to take the lead in the Metro with a win agains the Arizona Coyotes tonight. And although Raanta starting lately makes me nervous, some of his wins (and the pains he endures) have gotten us here. I’m still happy to root for the guy and will be loudly cheering him on tonight (and God help us) as needed for the remainder of the season at PNC.