Mailbag #12: A Dozen Deep

RALEIGH, NC. -Happy Sunday, Caniacs. The team picked up three out of four possible points this weekend, playing two very strong teams after almost a full week of no game action.
Was Saturday night's outcome a bit of a bummer? Sure. Can the team be proud of earning a point in that game all things considered? I think so.
Despite today being an off day for the club, fandom never takes a day off and a bunch of you took to Twitter to ask some questions about the team, so let's get to them.

Anyone know why Andersen or Raanta didn't start last night? Medical or coach's decision? - @MusingDave
Last night at the start of warmups the team's public relations department announced that Antti Raanta would not play due to an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old netminder did practice during the week, but Friday pre-game on an interview with Bally Sports Rod Brind'Amour said, "Rants was actually struggling a bit, he had a little bit of a back thing going on," when discussing the Columbus game from last Saturday. It turns out that injury was enough to keep him out of the lineup this weekend, thus the services of Alex Lyon were required. No timetable or further information has become available on Raanta at this point and while post-game Lyon was critical of himself for allowing that first goal, let's not overlook the fact that he did make enough timely saves to force the game to overtime against a top tier scoring team.
Is it time to push #SkjeiForNorris? - @CLEZach
I know this is hyperbole, but I still love the question. How good has Brady been as of late? His confidence has to be through the roof with the way he's shooting the puck lately. Does he want that attempted pass back from overtime last night? Of course, anyone could tell you that, but don't let it overshadow what he's contributed offensively. His production is certainly welcomed, totaling eight points in his last five games. To further that, since December 18, when the streak began in the team's win over Los Angeles, he's tied with Penguins defenseman Kris Letang for most points by a defenseman in the league.
Although games continue to be postponed across the league, what's the word on when we'll know our rescheduled game dates? - @goCanes\_score
Great question, Carolyn. As you can imagine there are a lot of moving parts in these situations and there are a lot of people working hard behind the scenes to make it all work. The blessing in disguise is that the previously scheduled three weeks off for the Olympics in February are now no longer needed and the league (and all clubs) are working to fit as much in as they can during that time frame. The bigger hold up is the items that come along with playing games, such as venue dates, hotel availability, etc. For example, PNC Arena couldn't just sit idle for three weeks while the Canes were gone, their schedule, in fact, is pretty full. During that time frame the building is set to host four NC State basketball games, a concert, a rodeo and Monster Jam. Now you may be thinking, "that's only seven dates, what gives?" Not all events can have as quick of a changeover as basketball to hockey. Monster Jam uses over 7,000 tons of dirt to build a track and that normally takes several days to assemble. The same goes for clearing it out. Finding spots in between or around all of the happenings is quite the task.
However, February isn't that far away after all, so don't be surprised if we get some news sooner rather than later...
Are the Canes the only team to not have a shutout loss this season? They have scored at least one goal in every game. - @strossdawg
Good observation, Anthony, but if I'm correct, they are not the only team. In fact, there are eight teams thus far this season that have not been shutout, with the Canes being one of them.
Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, Florida, Minnesota, St. Louis and Washington are with Carolina in the group.
Info courtesy of StatMuse
Is water wet Walt? - @LivLaughCanes
Is a hot dog a sandwhich?
(Pro Tip: Always be noncommittal and answer a controversial question with a different controversial question. Works every time.)
That's all for this week, thanks to everyone who took the time to send in questions. These are always fun and an engaging way to keep the discussion going on off days.
Additional thanks to everyone for reading and supporting the team. I have a feeling this calendar year is going to be a special one.
Peace and love.
Not a member of Twitter? We're always happy to take questions at [email protected] as well!
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