Aho: "I've got to be better."

[Anybodyhome]

https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3159048/aho-owns-scoring-slump-ive-got-to-be-better

It's no coincidence the Carolina Hurricanes' worst stretch of the season has corresponded with Sebastian Aho's goal-scoring funk.

The Canes fell 3-0 at home to the Ottawa Senators on Friday, dropping to 4-6-1 in their past 11 games. Aho has found twine just twice during that stretch.

"I've gotta be better, no question about it," Aho said postgame. "But at the same time, I think we've got to find some chemistry between the linemates as well, and especially the nights that you're not feeling it."

The offensive well has dried up a bit of late for the Hurricanes. They haven't had a five-on-five goal from a forward in three consecutive contests.

Aho doubled down on the need for his line - featuring Andrei Svechnikov and Jack Roslovic - to improve.

"It's not always easy, it's not always going your way, but that's the time when you need to grind one out," Aho continued. "So I've got to be better, and obviously our line's got to be better."

Aho has been remarkably consistent throughout his career, scoring 36 goals in each of the past two seasons and 37 the year before that. However, with seven goals in 29 games this season, he's on pace for what would be a career-low 20.

The playmaking has still been there, though. He's picked up 11 assists in his past 11 games and ranks second on the team with 30 points this season.

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Aho's problem illustrates one of the biggest problem this team has- their level of play, on both ends of the ice, is completely and 100% predicated on scoring. If Aho is not scoring goals, his entire game is crap. If Svechnikov isn't scoring goals, he started looking to pass first and not shoot. The most consistent piece of the top line is the guy with the least experience on that line- Roslovic.

[KillerKat]