Canes Corner

<p>The Canes locked up Jackson Blake to an 8-year contract -- as they did Logan Stankoven about a month prior.  Adam Gold is joined by Spectrum Sports' Mike Solarte to talk about the deal, the roster, the elusive search for a second line center and more.  Plus, Adam's conversation with Eric Tulsky follows.  </p>

<p>The Hurricanes signed Nikolaj Ehlers to a free agent contract on Thursday.  They add a bonafide point producer to a top 4 defender in K'Andre Miller and a couple of organizational depth goaltenders -- so far -- in the summer of 2025.  We sampled two clips from Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts podcast for assistance.</p>

<p>First, the Hurricanes signed Logan Stankoven to a long term contract extension, then they capped off Day One of the free agency period with a trade for defenseman K'Andre Miller.  It was a noteworthy start to reshaping the roster.  And, they're still in pursuit of winger Nikolaj Ehlers.</p>

<p>The Hurricanes traded back in the draft -- TWICE -- and drafted a whole bunch of players from Russia, just like they've done the last few years.  The Canes turned picks in the latter stages of the 1st and 3rd rounds into five picks in between, turning 29 and 89 into 41, 49, 62, 67 and 87.  They drafted a goalie with their first selection and have now taken 19 Russian players in the last 4 draft years.  </p>

<p>It won't be easy because the Panthers just might be one of the best teams in the last 40 years, but Carolina has to bridge the gap somewhat in order to legitimately compete with Florida in the east.  So, let's dig into some of the players who just might be able to make that happen.  Oh, and there's a bonus conversation with Jaccob Slavin at the end.  </p>

<p>Adam Gold and Canes legend Erik Cole talk 2024-25 season.  What does Carolina need to take the next step.  Would Cole bring back Brent Burns?  And just how close are the Hurricanes to where they want to be.</p>

<p>The Canes jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of Sebastian Aho goals. But, the Panthers seized their chances in the 2nd period, scoring 3 times in a 4:36 span and went on to win it 5-3. Florida advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight year winning the series 4 games to 1. Seth Jarvis scored a 3rd period goal that brought the game even at 3-3, but Carter Verhaeghe scored less than 4 minutes later to restore the Panthers to the lead and the Canes never scored again. </p>

<p>Frederik Andersen came back into the lineup after mising Game 3 and shut out the Panthers on 20 shots.  Logan Stankoven scored early in the 2nd period to give the Canes their first lead of the series.  That goal proved to be the game-winner, though Carolina would add on 2 empty net goals for the final total.  Game 5 will be Wednesday night in Raleigh.</p>

<p>The Canes were one good third period away from possibly winning Game 3 and making the Panthers sweat out this Eastern Conference Final series.  But, the Panthers scored 5 times in a 9:08 span and cruised to a 6-2 win.  Pyotr Kochetkov started and was excellent for 40 minutes, but he ran out of magic as Florida moved to within 1 win of their 3rd straight Stanley Cup Finals series.</p>

<p>The Panthers took advantage of a bevy of Hurricanes mistakes and humiliated Carolina in Game 2. Andrei Svechnikov turned the puck over 3 times in the 1st period. The first directly led to a Gustav Forsling goal just 77 seconds into the game. Florida led the game 3-0 before the first intermission and the Canes never really threatened. Sebastian Aho did have a goal called back for the play being offside early in the 2nd period, but Carolina never really threatened to score after that and Florida are two home wins away from reaching their third straight Stanley Cup Finals. </p>

<p>The Panthers scored twice on the power play, Sergei Bobrovsky outplayed Frederik Andersen, and the Canes lost Game 1, 5-2. They trail the Eastern Conference Finals 1-0 with Game 2 on Thursday. Sebastian Aho and Jackson Blake scored for the Hurricanes, but once they fell behind they never got their footing in the game. Bobrovsky made 31 saves. Andersen allowed 5 goals on 20 shots. </p>

<p>The Canes got another game-winning goal from Andrei Svechnikov and Frederik Andersen stopped 18 of 19 shots he saw as Carolina won 3-1 and claimed the series in 5 games. Carolina will play the winner of the series between the Panthers and Maple Leafs for the right to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Jordan Staal and Seth Jarvis also scored for the Hurricanes who improved to 5-0 in the playoffs when they score the first goal. </p>

<p>Freddie Andersen stopped 19 shots, Taylor Hall and Sean Walker scored huge 3rd period goals and the Canes beat the Capitals, 5-2, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. The Hurricanes can eliminate the Capitals on Thursday night in Washington. Carolina lead 1-0 after 1 on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal. Seth Jarvis scored early in the 2nd to double the lead. Hall and Walker answered Washington 3rd period goals as once Carolina had the lead they never gave it up. For what this is worth, the Hurricanes have never lost a best-of-seven series in which they held a 3-1 lead. </p>

<p>The Canes beat the Caps, 4-0, Saturday night as Frederik Andersen shut Washington out on 21 saves and Andrei Svechnikov scored his 6th goal of the playoffs.  Carolina takes a 2-1 series lead heading to Game 4 on Monday night.  Andersen's best work was done early steering aside 9 Washington shots in the first period to keep the game scoreless.  Svechnikov broke the scoreless tie with a great goal right off of an offensive zone face off.  Jack Roslovic scored his firsst goal of the playoffs on the power play before the end of the second period.  Eric Robinson and Jackson Blake scored in the 3rd period with Blake's goal coming on the power play.</p>

<p>The Canes gave up the first goal - and the second - and couldn't rally in the 3rd period for a 3-1 loss to Washington. The series is even at 1-1 heading to Raleigh for games 3 and 4. Shayne Gostisbehere scored Carolina's only goal, a power play marker, in the 3rd period. Frederik Andersen made 18 saves in the loss. </p>

<p>Jaccob Slavin's 2nd goal of the playoffs, 3:06 into overtime, gave the Canes a 2-1 win and a 1-0 series lead over the Capitals in Washington. Logan Stankoven's 3rd of the playoffs tied the game at 1-1 midway through the 3rd period. Freddie Andersen stopped 13 shots for his 4th postseason win. Carolina will go for a third straight playoff road win on Thursday night in DC. </p>

<p>Sebastian Aho's second power play goal of the night, 4:17 into the second overtime, punched the Canes' ticket to the second round and capped off a huge comeback in a 5-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. Jersey led 3-0 after the first 10 minutes as the Canes were playing in quicksand from the start. But, Carolina needed just 5:40 of the second period to draw even. Goals from Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake and Andrei Svechnikov made it a brand new game. The Canes would trail again, as Devils star Nico Hischier would score his 4th goal of the series, but Aho's first power play goal of the night leveled the game again. From there, Carolina did everything but score as they peppered New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom over the final 44:17, out-shooting the Devils 34-12 with the last shot being Aho's second power play goal of the night. Aho led Carolina with 8 points in the series and now has 30 goals and 78 points in 79 career playoff games. Pyotr Kochetkov survived a disastrous opening frame as a starter for the first time in the playoffs. Carolina awaits the winner of the series between the Capitals and Canadiens. Notes: Aho is the first Hurricanes player to have 2 series-ending overtime game-winning goals. His goal eliminated the Nashville Predators in the opening round in 2021 before tonight. And, the Hurricanes are into the second round of the playoffs for the fifth straight year. The only team in the NHL that can say that. </p>

<p>The Canes took Game 4 from the Devils, 5-2, as Andrei Svechnikov registered his second career playoff hat trick.  The win puts Carolina on the brink of the second round of the playoffs for the 5th consecutive season as they can close out New Jersey Tuesday night in Raleigh.  Freddie Andersen started for the 4th straight playoff game and was sailing along with a 3-1 lead until Timo Meier crashed into him in the crease early in the 2nd period.  Andersen was forced to leave the game as Pyotr Kochetkov came on for the first time in the series.  He quickly gave up a goal to Meier but shut the door the rest of the way. Svechnikov scored 52 seconds into the game, then knocked in a power play goal in the first minute of the 2nd period and campped the scoring with an empty net goal with just under 4 minutes to play.  Sebastian Aho and Jackson Blake each had 2 assists.  </p>

<p>The Canes scored a pair of 3rd period power play goals and went 5 for 5 on the penalty kill and still somehow lost in double overtime to the Devils, 3-2. Simon Nemec scored 2:36 into the second OT, splitting Shayne Gostisbehere and Jack Roslovic and carrying the puck deep into the Carolina zone before beating Frederik Andersen between the blocker side arm and the body. Carolina fell behind 2-0 early in the 3rd but Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho netted power play goals to bring the Hurricanes even. Now the head coach has a decision to make with his goaltender. Start Andersen with a quick turnaround thanks to a 3:30 pm start on Sunday, or give the net to Pyotr Kochetkov, who hasn't played since last Wednesday in Montreal? Andersen was excellent in the loss, stopping 34 shots, as New Jersey out-shot the Hurricanes 37-27. </p>

<p>Frederik Andersen made 25 saves and Jordan Martinook scored a shorthanded goal leading the Canes to a 3-1 win over the Devils. Carolina takes a 2-0 series lead back to Newark for Game 3 on Friday night. The Devils went ahead in the first period through Jesper Bratt but the Hurricanes answered early in the second as Shayne Gostisbehere scored off a rebound of his own miss. Martinook would give the Canes the lead less than 3 minutes later as his first of the playoffs came shorthanded. Martinook now has 4 goals and 12 points in 7 playoff games against New Jersey - registering at least one point in each of the 7 games. Seth Jarvis scored into the empty net for the final margin. Through two games of the series, Carolina has one power play goal and one shorthanded. </p>

<p>Logan Stankoven scored twice in the second period as the Hurricanes raced out to a 3-0 lead en route to a 4-1 win over the Devils.  Carolina takes Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with Game 2 set for Tuesday in Raleigh. Carolina won the special teams battle, scoring once on the power play but also shutting the Devils down when New Jersey had the man advantage.  The Canes also saw strong performances up and down the lineup during a physical game.  Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis combined for 9 hits.  Andrei Svechnikov played a very heavy game and Eric Robinson and William Carrier combined for 13 hits in the game.  Jalen Chatfield opened the scoring less than 2 1/2 minutes into the game.  Stankoven scored about 6 1/2 minutes apart in the 2nd.  Svechnikov scored into an empty net late in the 3rd.  Frederik Andersen made 23 saves and was very steady throughout.  </p>

<p>The Canes final regular season game was a gong show of a 7-5 loss to the Senators. They always say that hockey is a game of runs (actually, no one says that.) The Sens scored the first three goals in the first period. Then the Canes scored twice before the period ended and three more times early in the second. In all, the five goals came in a 8:59 stretch spanning the 1st and 2nd periods. But Ottawa scored 4 times in a penalty-filled 3rd and the Canes have closed the season with 3 straight losses and a stretch that has seen them win just once in their last eight (1-6-1). In this episode we talk goaltending, the importance of Andrei Svechnikov and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a sneaky resurgent Dimitri Orlov and I lay out what I believe will be the forward lines starting Easter Sunday. </p>

<p>The Canes left seven of their best players in the press box and lost the penultimate game of the season, 4-2, to the Canadiens. The win clinched a playoff spot for Montreal as the Hurricanes have now won just once in their last 7 games (1-5-1). Carolina dressed four players called up from the minor leagues including Skyler Brind'Amour - the head coach's son (duh) - who made his NHL debut, as well as top prospect Bradly Nadeau. The leading rookie goal-scorer in the AHL with 30, who played in his first NHL game at the end of last season, helped set up a Tyson Jost goal and made it 3-2 late in the 3rd period and played an otherwise very good game. Defenseman Dominic Fensore also impressed in his NHL debut. Taylor Hall scored the Hurricanes first goal. In this episode, Nick Bass who runs the CanesProspect feeds on both X and BlueSky joined me to discuss the young guys and Jackson Blake. </p>

<p>The Canes closed out their home schedule with a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.  Carolina played a great first period, but trailed 1-0 after a Pontus Holmberg goal.  From there Toronto took the game over.  Only Sebastian Aho's 3rd period power play goal kept Joseph Woll from a shutout.  Inside, I discuss the disappoiintment of Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina's goaltending and the possible approach to the final two games of the season.</p>

<p>The Canes dominated the first 45 minutes against the Rangers, jumped out to a 5-1 lead and went on to win, 7-3.  The win snaps a 4-game losing streak and eliminated New York from playoff contention.  The top line of Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Jackson Blake combined for 7 points (2g, 5a), all coming as the Canes jumped out to a 3-0 lead.  Mark Jankowski's 8th goal with the Hurricanes made it 4-0.  Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven also scored and Pyotr Kochetkov made 28 saves for just his second win in his last 6 starts.  We talk about the game, the arrival of defensive prospect Alexander Nikishin and what the forward group could look like come playoff time.</p>

<p>Canes lost a see-saw game in Washington, 5-4, in a shootout. The Canes scored twice in the 1st period to lead 2-0. But, the Caps got a power play goal late in the opening period, then another early in the second to draw even. Then two goals in about 30 seconds late in the 2nd put the Capitals two goals ahead. Carolina, however, would fight back with Jordan Martinook making it 4-3 less than 5 minutes into the third. Then, Seth Jarvis made a great defensive play to prevent an empty net goal and finished a Sebastian Aho pass at the other end forcing overtime. Jackson Blake scored his 16th goal of the season and has 7 points (5g, 2a) in his last 7 games. </p>

<p>Carolina couldn't figure out a way past former Hurricanes goalie James Reimer and were shut out 3-0. It was their 3rd straight loss - all on the road - and they've scored just 4 goals in the three games. Pyotr Kochetkov wasn't the problem, but he also wasn't the solution. He's lost 4 of his last 5 starts while allowing 21 goals on 110 shots for a save percentage of .809. We discuss the impact this could have on Carolina's postseason - whether or not Kochetkov plays in the playoffs. It also hasn't been a great stretch for Carolina's top defensive pairing of Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns and they were at least partially responsible for 2 of the 3 goals. </p>

<p>The Canes dropped a 5-1 decision in Boston to a Bruins team that had lost 10 in a row.  David Pastrnak had a hat trick while former Hurricanes forwards Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm each scored.  Jeremy Swayman made 39 saves for the winners.  Frederik Andersen allowed 5 goals on 26 shots and saw his 7-game winning streak come to an end.  It was a tough game for Carolina's best players as Jaccob Slavin -- as well as his defensive partner Brent Burns -- was a -5.  Sebastian Aho was a -3 and his linemates were held off the scoresheet as well.  Jesperi Kotkaniemi left the game midway through the 2nd period with an undisclosed injury and will be re-evaluated on Sunday.  The only plus was the first career goal for rookie Justin Robidas.  </p>

<p>The Red Wings scored twice within 30 seconds - TWICE - and handed the Canes a 5-3 loss. Carolina's winning streak ends at 3. Pyotr Kochetkov has now allowed 18 goals on the last 92 shots he's faced. And, while it would be hard to categorize any of the four goals he allowed tonight as "bad goals", his lack of confidence is evident in his movement and inability to read plays. We discuss the problem Kochetkov's play presents for the team - even as Frederik Andersen has been spectacular over his last 8 starts. We talk briefly about the red hot Jackson Blake, who scored his 15th goal of the season. And we get into Andrei Svechnikov, his absence, and how much the Canes need him at his best. </p>

<p>The Canes clinched a playoff spot for the 7th straight year beating the Washington Capitals, 5-1. Carolina scored 3 power play goals, two from Jackson Blake and another by Seth Jarvis. Sean Walker and Logan Stankoven added the other goals. Frederik Andersen continues to play well as he's won 7 straight games, allowing 7 straight games, allowing just 10 goals and compiling a .940 SV%. The only downside to tonight's game was the loss of Andrei Svechnikov, who left with an upper body injury in the 2nd period. The game featured 142 penalty minutes and each team was awarded 4, 10-minute misconduct penalties. Should be a blast at Washington next Thursday. Alex Ovechkin scored his 39th goal of the season - the 892nd of his career - in the 2nd period. That moves him just two goals behind Wayne Gretzky for 1st on the all time list. </p>

<p>It wasn't how Rod Brind'Amour would draw it up, but the Canes beat the Islanders, 6-4, in a game that had everything.  Mark Jankowski and Logan Stankoven scored 13 seconds apart early in the 1st period to put Carolina up 2-0.  But, from there it was a goalie gong show for both teams.  Seth Jarvis scored twice.  Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists. Dimitri Orlov had the GWG.  The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 2.  </p>

<p>Taylor Hall and Frederik Andersen paced the Hurricanes to a bounce-back, 4-1 win over Montreal on Friday night. Hall's 4th power play goal in the last 6 games put the Hurricanes in front to stay and Jackson Blake posted a 3-point night, the first of his NHL career. Blake's goal, which caromed in off of two different Montreal skates, and evened the score immediately after Josh Anderson gave the Habs the lead inside of the first 30 seconds. Andrei Svechnikov returned after missing the last 7 games and had a physical impact in the game and then added an empty net goal for the final marker. In this episode, after a few opening thoughts, we do a Q and A. We're back, full on, this Sunday following the game with the Islanders. </p>

<p>The Canes did everything BUT SCORE in their 3-1 loss to Nashville.  Juuse Saros made 34 saves to keep the Hurricanes from their 2nd straight win.  Taylor Hall's 2nd period power play goal was the only marker for Carolina.  Hall has scored the Canes' last 4 goals and has 3 power play goals in the last 5 games.  In this episode, we get into the many scoring chances created and why that's a positive not a negative in spite of the result of the game.  Then we get into Carolina's goaltending tonight which wasn't nearly good enough on the part of Pyotr Kochetkov.   </p>

<p>Taylor Hall had a 3rd period hat trick and Frederik Andersen's 35 saves boosted the Canes to a 5-2 win over the Ducks in Anaheim.  Carolina closes out their 4-game road trip with a 3-1-0 record and moves 10 points from wrapping up a playoff spot.  Hall's 3 goals added to goals from Mark Jankowski -- yeah, it's wild that he keeps scoring -- and Jordan Martinook as the new editions continue to pile up points.  In this edition, we talk about Andersen's exploits and what it means for the Canes playoff future, the new guys and why they're better than whatshisname that was shipped off to Dallas, and what was the key to the win over the Ducks.  </p>

<p>The Canes' 8 game winning streak is over.  They got blown out in L-A, 7-2.  The game was over after falling behind 3-0 in the first period.  Then the Kings scored 3 times in a 2:43 span of the early part of the 2nd.  Dimitry Orlov and Mark Jankowski scored for Carolina.  For Jankowski, it was his 5th goal since coming over from Nashville at the trade deadline.  For reference, Mikko Rantanen has played 20 games since leaving Colorado and he's scored just 4 goals (2 each with the Canes and Stars).  In this episode we talk about the loss (briefly), then talk about the 8-game winning streak and we look ahead to the playoffs and which players might have to sit when the Hurricanes are fully healthy.</p>

<p>Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots, Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Sean Walker all scored, and the Hurricanes beat San Jose, 3-1. The Canes are now 8 points clear of the Devils for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Topics covered in this episode include Carolina's stellar goaltending of late - from both Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov. I also get into the play from the blue line, specifically Alternate Captain America, Jaccob Slavin. But the offense was driven by the Canes top line as Sebastian Aho, Jackson Blake and Seth Jarvis were all over the game. </p>

<p>Pyotr Kochetkov made 26 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season, and Mark Jankowski scored twice as the Canes iced the Flyers, 5-0, in Philadelphia.  It was Carolina's 7th straight win and helped them open up an 8-point lead over New Jersey for the 2nd spot in the Metropolitan division standings.  Sebastian Aho opened the scoring in the 1st period pouncing on a loose puck for his 25th goal of the season.  Jankowski's first of 2 goals tonight came with just over 4 minutes left in the opening period and came off a great feed from Eric Robinson.  Jankowski would make it 4-0 in the 2nd period -- also thanks to an incredible chip pass from Robinson -- making it the second time since being acquired last Friday that he's scored twice in a game.  Taylor Hall scored a power play goal and Scott Morrow closed out the scoring with his first career NHL goal.  So, if you're scoring at home.  The Canes scored 5 times, including a power play goal, AND they won a goaltender interference challenge.  It's a sign!  </p>

<p>Seth Jarvis scored shorthanded and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 23 shots as the Canes beat the Lightning, 4-1.  Carolina has won 5 straight games -- the longest winning streak since Carolina won 8 in a row back in November.  Kochetkov has won 4 straight starts, Jarvis has scored in 3 straight games, Jack Roslovic scored his 20th goal of the season, Jordan Martinook notched his 12th and Sean Walker scored a goal for the first time in more than 3 months.  Walker had gone 41 games without a goal.  Carolina improves to 39-22-4 on the season and their 82 points are currently 3rd best in the Eastern Conference.</p>

<p>The new Canes beat the old Jets, 4-2, at Lenovo Center on Sunday night.  After the roster was shaken up for a second time this season, Carolina saw the two new editions provide the first three goals of the game.  Mark Jankowski, acquired from Nashville for a late round draft pick, scored twice and Logan Stankoven, the player Carolina got back in the Mikko Rantanen deal, provided the third.  Stankoven's 10th of the season came on the power play (shocked face emoji) early in the 3rd period.  Seth Jarvis added an empty net goal.  Frederik Andersen was great, stopping 20 shots, but making several big saves at crucial times, especially late in both the first and second periods.  The Canes have now won 4 straight for the second time since the new year.  </p>

<p>Six weeks after the Canes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche they traded him to the Dallas Stars.  After 13 games featuring 2 goals, 6 points and one declined offer of an 8-yeaer contract extension Carolina decided to end their pursuit of the high-scoring forward and sent him to Dallas for Logan Stankoven and four draft picks.  How did we get here?  What does it mean?  Did Carolina get a sufficient reeturn?  </p>

<p>The Canes took advantage of three fortunate breaks and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 32 shots as they beat the Bruins, 3-2. Sebastian Aho scored shorthanded in the 1st period as he intercepted a poor pass from Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei. Brent Burns' 5th goal of the season - in the 2nd period - caromed off the stick of a Boston defender as the Hurricanes took a 2-1 lead early in the 2nd. And Seth Jarvis' game-winner with 18.6 seconds left came as the result of a failed clearing attempt as Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov's stick broke and the puck just drifted to Jarvis in the high slot. But, the star tonight was Kochetkov, who stopped Boston star David Pastrnak 7 times, including a second period breakaway. The win was Carolina's 3rd straight and it moved them 6 points ahead of New Jersey in the race for 2nd place in the Metro. </p>

<p>Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal each scored as the Canes beat the Red Wings, 2-1, in Detroit. It was Carolina's 2nd straight win and their first on the road in 5 weeks. Frederik Andersen made 24 saves to snap a personal 4-game losing streak as the Canes saw their lead over the Devils increase to 4 points - with a game in hand - after New Jersey fell in Dallas. For the second straight game, the Hurricanes probably should have scored significantly more than the two goals they did. But, when you have Jaccob Slavin on your team, you can make it work. Carolina's star defenseman was the game's best player - again. </p>

<p>The Canes beat the Flames, 2-1, in overtime as Sebastian Aho registered his 5th overtime game winning goal of the season.  The Hurricanes have five OT wins this season and all have come courtesy of their top centerman.  Jaccob Slavin and Jackson Blake each had 2 points on the night, Slavin's 6th goal of the year -- from Blake -- came with about 30 seconds left in the 2nd period and gave Carolina a 1-0 lead.  The pair each has assists on Aho's 23rd goal of the season.  Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 15 of 16 shots in the win, his second over the Flames this year.  On the down side, the Canes were 0 for 6 on the power play and have gone 5 for 65 with the man advantage since the calendar turned to 2025.  NOTE: Discussion on the Mikko Rantanen conundrum immediately after the second commercial break.</p>

<p>The Canes spotted the Oilers a 2-goal lead after 40 minutes -- just like they did in October in the 1st meeting -- but this time they couldn't get the second goal and lost, 3-1.  The Hurricanes went 1 for 4 on the power play, the first 3 of those coming in the 1st period.  On their first try, they allowed a shorthanded goal when Adam Henrique' was able to get to the front of the net and redirect the puck past Frederik Andersen.  Carolina did get a Sebastian Aho power play goal in the 3rd period to make the score 2-1.  But, they couldn't find their way to a second goal as Mikko Rantanen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic each had great chances to even the score.  Then, inside the final minute, Aho took a pass from Seth Jarvis and was in alone on Edmonton's Calvin Pickard, but his breakaway chance was denied by a great blocker side save and the Canes went on to lose for the 6th time in their last 8 games.  </p>

<p>Canes have a "whale" of a time in 5-2 win over Buffalo. </p>

<p>The Canes lost their 2nd straight game, 4-0, in Montreal. Carolina fell behind 2-0 after the first period, then allowed power play goals in both the 2nd and 3rd periods in the loss. The Hurricanes are 3-5-1 since the acquisitions of Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall. They've scored just 22 goals in those 9 games and 7 of them came against Utah in the final game before the 4 Nations Face Off break. </p>

<p>The Canes gave up three goals within the first 7 minutes of the first period and went on to loe, 6-3, to the Maple Leafs in Toronto.   In Carolina's first game coming after the 4 Nations Faceoff break they played like a team that hadn't seen each other in two weeks.  Poor decisions, worse puck management and a lack of precision added up to a 4-0 deficit after 20 minutes.  That the Canes scored three times in a 2:41 span of the 3rd period to give themselves a chance to steal something -- ANYTHING -- out of this game is a borderline miracle.  But, after Jaccob Slavin swept in a rebound to make it 4-3 with just under 5 minutes remaining, Mikko Rantanen passed up Carolina's last best chance to score passing into a crowded crease rather than shoot from the right face off circle.  In fairness, Rantanen, who did pick up an assist tonight for his 3rd point in 7 games with the Hurricanes, was probably Carolina's best forward tonight.  Shayne Gostisbehere scored his first goal since December 10 off a feed from Sebastian Aho for Carolina's first goal of the night.  Andrei Svechnikov and Slavin had the others.  Pyotr Kochetkov allowed 4 goals on 21 shots.</p>

<p>Iced Tea with Meghan Lamontagne is a new podcast from Capitol Broadcasting Company that goes behind the scenes on life with the Canes. From what players eat pre and post game, to their exact napping schedule on game days, guests "spill the tea" on life with the Hurricanes. Episode one is out now and features an exclusive interview with Hurricanes Hall of Fame goalie, Cam Ward. </p> <p>Follow the show now in your podcast app, or watch each episode on YouTube. Links to all the ways to watch and listen <a href="https://www.podpage.com/iced-tea-with-meghan-lamontagne/">here</a>.</p>

<p>Seth Jarvis had two goals and two assists as the Canes beat Utah, 7-3, in the final game before the Four Nations Face Off winter break.  Jarvis dominated the 2nd period, scoring once on the power play, creating the play for the first of two Sebastian Aho goals, and then feeding him for a shorthanded marker that made the score 4-2 late in the period.  Then, just before the end of the frame, he took a pass from Jackson Blake and beat Utah goalie Karol Vejmelka on a breakaway for a 5-2 lead.  Jarvis and Aho each were a +4 on the night.  Jalen Chatfield had a goal and an assist.  Andrei Svechnikov and Jackson Blake each had two helpers.  Pyotr Kochetkov made 36 saves in the win.  </p>

<p>The Canes scored a goal, Sebastian Aho's 18th of the season, but they still fell short in a 2-1 loss to the Wild. The Canes gave up an early goal in the 1st and 3rd periods to fall behind, 2-0. But, even with nearly 40 shots on Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson, they could muster the Aho goal, which came with their net empty in the final 3 minutes of regulation. Aho, Mikko Rantanen and Jackson Blake combined for 13 scoring chances - including the latter's penalty shot opportunity in the 2nd period - but it wasn't until the Canes had the extra attacker that they were able to break through. </p>