Game Recaps

San Jose Sharks: 3-1 win
The Hurricanes’ game against the Sharks started slow, with a scoreless first period. In the second period, with just under 10 minutes remaining, Seth Jarvis tied the game with a top-shelf wrist shot. In the third, Sebastian Aho scored the go-ahead goal midway through the period. Sean Walker then added an insurance goal late in the third with a one-timer from the point, securing the 3-1 victory.

Los Angeles Kings: 7-2 loss.
The Kings are a legit playoff team and have been mentioned by more and more pundits as a serious contender. The Hurricanes faced a tough challenge from the Kings. The Kings came out strong, scoring multiple goals in the first period. Dmitry Orlov scored for the Hurricanes in the second period with a powerful slapshot from the blue line. Mark Jankowski added another goal in the third period, tapping in a rebound during a net-front scramble. However, the Kings maintained their offensive pressure throughout the game, resulting in a 7-2 loss for the Hurricanes.

Anaheim Ducks: 5-2 win
The Hurricanes bounced back with a strong performance against the Ducks. Taylor Hall opened the scoring in the first period. Jordan Martinook added a goal in the second period, assisted by a pass from behind the net. Taylor Hall then added two goals in the third period to complete his hat trick. Mark Jankowski also contributed with a shot from the slot in the third. The Canes controlled the game throughout the second and third periods.

Overall Thoughts: The power play finally looked okay? To be honest, getting worked by a playoff team and then beating pretty mid and bottom-tier Western Conference teams is hardly much to celebrate. Taking 2/3 on a West Coast trip isn’t bad.

In all seriousness, the biggest win was avoiding serious injuries to Jarvis and Staal. Svech seems like he’s close to returning, and Carrier is back on the ice, so things are looking up from an injury standpoint.

Hall and Jankowski continue to shine. There are early conversations that Hall and the Canes are working on an extension. I have not seen any reports, but my gut says something like a 2-year deal at $4-5 million per year?

Looking Ahead:

This week, the Hurricanes face the Predators, Islanders, and Canadiens. Despite being in slightly similar places in the table, all of the teams are still playing for something. For Nashville, players are playing for Torts and to prove that they deserve to be on the team next year after the horrible season they’ve had compared to preseason expectations. Both the Canadiens and Islanders are on the Wild Card bubble. This is a critical four-game home stand against quality opponents and a chance to tighten up our game.