Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Hurricanes on Twitter:
@HB_Canes
The Carolina Hurricanes’ winning streak is still alive, reaching seven games with another big victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday, extending their point streak to 13 games in the process.
Brady Skjei ended up not playing due to personal reasons, so Dylan Coghlan drew into action for his first game with the Hurricanes since early November. As a result, we saw Jalen Chatfield paired with Brett Pesce, while Coghlan found himself on the bottom pairing with Calvin de Haan.
After a fairly even opening frame, it took until right near the end of the opening frame for the first goal to be scored, as Sidney Crosby poked the puck past Antti Raanta on a power play. However, the Hurricanes responded right away, dumping the puck in off the ensuing faceoff, then after getting possession, Calvin de Haan put a shot on net and Martin Necas scored off the bounce from the end boards, tying the game. Then only 17 seconds after that, Jalen Chatfield fired a puck on net off a faceoff and it beat Jarry through traffic, and after a flurry of three goals across just 32 seconds, the Hurricanes found themselves up 2-1 after one.
A lot of the second frame was dominated by special teams, as the Hurricanes generated some quality chances through the second frame, notably with Martin Necas being robbed by Tristan Jarry with a glove save in-close. However, Carolina couldn’t capitalize on any of their four power plays and with under a minute to go in the frame, the Penguins ended up with a seemingly harmless shorthanded rush. Seth Jarvis allowed Teddy Blueger to get to the inside for a good shot though, then after Jesperi Kotkaniemi couldn’t clear the rebound, Brock McGinn buried it. It was a situation where Jarvis and Kotkaniemi were a bit too relaxed on the play and as a result, the game was tied.
The Hurricanes came out strong in the third period, but a concerning scene came midway through the frame and crashed into the net. He stayed down for a minute, but did stay in the game.
Only a little bit later though, Brent Burns got caught up ice and Bryan Rust blew by Jordan Martinook on rush, wrapping the puck around Raanta to score and giving Pittsburgh the lead. However, the Hurricanes continued to press, getting some great chances in the minutes that followed, and after some saves from Jarry, Jordan Staal took the puck and managed to score off a wraparound, tying the game and sending it to overtime.
In the extra frame, the Hurricanes wasted no time finishing things off, as Seth Jarvis found Jaccob Slavin going towards the net, who made a nice move in front to finish off a nice passing play and beat Jarry, giving Carolina the 4-3 win.
Despite missing key pieces and having to play from behind late in the game, the Hurricanes got the job done yet again. It’s yet another big win, once again coming against a very good team.
They put together a great game at even strength, generally getting the better chances and sustaining more offensive zone pressure than the Penguins. Over the back 40 minutes, Carolina outshot the Penguins 23-15 at even strength.
Jordan Staal continues to be clutch for Carolina, scoring yet another goal at a key time in the win. He’s already reached 10 goals this season, with six of those coming over his last 10 games.
With the assist on the overtime goal, Brent Burns also reached his 800th career NHL point. He’s been such a great fit with Jaccob Slavin and hasn’t missed a beat since joining the Hurricanes.
It was also a positive to see Dylan Coghlan manage two assists, after a long stretch of not getting into NHL action. He’s still just 24 years old and especially given his role with the Vegas Golden Knights last season, he could certainly become a full-time NHLer.
Perhaps the one downside was Carolina’s power play, with so many chances to take over the game in the second period but instead they ended up letting Pittsburgh back in. That said, the Hurricanes absolutely made up for it with some great play at even strength and a solid third period.
As for the red helmets with the white road jersey, I think I warmed up to them throughout the game. Not a bad look.
The Hurricanes have one more game left before the break, as they face the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, with an opportunity to extend their winning streak, as well as their point streak.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Jordan Martinook scores hat trick, Canes down Blues for third straight win
Hurricanes beat Kings for fourth straight win
Hurricanes’ four-game winning streak snapped in overtime loss to Ducks
Hurricanes continue impressive road trip with shutout win over Islanders
Pyotr Kochetkov looks like Hurricanes' long-term solution in net
Hurricanes continue to build momentum following successful road trip
Hurricanes beat Penguins in key Metropolitan clash for fifth straight win
Hurricanes take down Devils for top spot in Metropolitan Division
Stefan Noesen proving to be important piece for Hurricanes 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»