Head coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized that effort remains constant, regardless of the series score, noting that players always give their best regardless of the circumstances.

Panthers Dominate Early, But Struggle to Close as Hurricanes Cling to Hope

Despite the Game 4 win, Carolina still faces a daunting challenge. Florida has largely outplayed them, winning the first three games with increasing dominance, including a demoralizing 6-2 win in Game 3. This series has contrasted starkly with the closely contested 2023 Eastern Final, which Florida also won in a sweep.

Monday’s victory was notable for ending a long conference final losing streak for the Hurricanes, but the Panthers remain a formidable opponent.

The Panthers, under coach Paul Maurice, have excelled in reaching closeout scenarios, winning nine of their first ten playoff series under his leadership. However, closing series haven’t always come easily—Monday’s loss dropped their record in potential closeout games to 9-8 since 2023.

Maurice downplayed the idea of learning from past missed opportunities, but acknowledged that the team would be reviewing Game 4 footage closely to make necessary adjustments.

Injuries Test Depth as Young Stars Shine and Home Ice Offers Carolina Hope

Injuries have affected both teams. Florida was without Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer in Game 4, though all skated Tuesday and could return soon. Carolina, too, has been impacted, missing defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker.

One positive for the Hurricanes has been the emergence of young players like Logan Stankoven and Alexander Nikishin. Stankoven has scored in consecutive games, while Nikishin recorded his first NHL point in Game 4.

The Panthers have shown dominance on the road, winning their past four away playoff games by wide margins. However, Carolina boasts a strong home record, both in the regular season and earlier playoff rounds.

Under Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes are 6-6 when facing elimination, including two wins last year after falling behind 3-0 in a series. While the odds are still stacked against them, Carolina’s home advantage and resilient mindset give them a fighting chance to extend the series.

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Carolina’s dominance against Washington gave the impression of a team peaking at the right time. However, their momentum has abruptly ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they have now lost 15 consecutive games, with the most recent being a 6-2 blowout against the Florida Panthers in Game 3.

Hurricanes Collapse in Five on Five Against Relentless and Organized Panthers Pressure

The Hurricanes, who had looked nearly flawless in dispatching the Capitals, have crumbled against the Florida Panthers. In just three games, they’ve been outscored 16-4, a stark contrast to the seven goals allowed in five games against Washington. This dramatic drop-off in performance has been felt across all areas of the team. What was once a tight, organized, and effective unit now appears disjointed and outclassed by a sharper, more aggressive Florida squad.

Carolina’s strength during the regular season and their second-round victory was their five-on-five play, both offensively and defensively. Against the Capitals, they averaged two five-on-five goals per game. Against the Panthers, however, they’ve managed only one goal total at even strength.

This offensive drought is compounded by defensive lapses, with Carolina being outscored 12-1 in five-on-five situations over three games. The Hurricanes are also allowing significantly more quality chances and expected goals than they did in the previous round.

Drastic Statistical Decline Highlights Hurricanes’ Struggles and Playoff Ceiling Under Brind’Amour

The statistical contrast between the two series is stark. Against Washington, Carolina controlled 62.6% of shot attempts (CF%), 57.7% of expected goals (xGF%), 57.6% of scoring chances (SCF%), and 52% of high-danger chances (HDCF%). Against Florida, all those metrics have plummeted, with only 48.2% in CF%, 41.3% in xGF%, 46.2% in SCF%, and 44.7% in HDCF%. These numbers highlight just how drastically Carolina’s game has fallen off and explain their current struggles.

For Hurricanes supporters, the swift fall from dominance to disaster is frustrating, especially after a promising second-round performance. The inconsistency has reignited concerns about whether Brind’Amour can guide this team beyond its apparent playoff ceiling.

While the team has consistently reached the postseason and often advanced past the early rounds, the inability to succeed in the Conference Finals remains a glaring issue. As the Hurricanes stare down another likely elimination, the organization may need to reflect on what it will take to break through this glass ceiling.

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Defenseman Niko Mikkola and fourth-line forward A.J. Greer will also miss the crucial matchup due to injuries sustained during Game 3. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice labeled all three players as “day-to-day” and expressed cautious optimism about their potential return later in the series.

Boqvist, Balinskis Step Up as Panthers Rely on Depth Amid Key Injuries

Despite the absences, the Panthers have capable replacements stepping up. Jesper Boqvist filled in for Reinhart on the top line during Game 3 and delivered an impressive performance, tallying a goal and two assists. His key third-period goal broke a 1-1 tie and triggered a five-goal outburst that solidified Florida’s dominance. Maurice’s lineup decisions reflect confidence in the depth and readiness of the bench to handle the pressure of playoff hockey.

Replacing Mikkola on defense is Uvis Balinskis, a player with solid regular-season and playoff experience. Although he has seen limited postseason ice time, Maurice noted his reliable play and expressed regret about initially leaving him out of the lineup. Mikkola’s absence will be felt—he’s tallied six points in 15 games and contributed significantly on both ends—but the team believes Balinskis can help maintain their defensive stability.

Sturm Replaces Greer as Panthers Seek Sweep and Stanley Cup Final Berth

Nico Sturm will take over for Greer on the fourth line, joining Tomas Nosek and Jonah Gadjovich. While Greer logged three points in 11 playoff games, Sturm’s stats have been quieter, with no points in seven appearances. Still, Maurice appears confident that Sturm’s experience and energy can help fill the gap and maintain the team’s physical presence and tempo.

Leading the series 3-0, the Panthers are poised to eliminate the Hurricanes and advance to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. They’ve dominated the series so far, outscoring Carolina 16-4. Captain Aleksander Barkov emphasized the importance of staying focused and not looking ahead. With lessons learned from previous postseason runs, Florida is prepared to seize the opportunity and close out the series with a sweep on home ice.

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Hurricanes Juggle Goalie Options After Andersen Struggles, Kochetkov Falters in Game 3

Andersen initially started Games 1 and 2 but was pulled after the second period of the second game due to underperformance. Over five periods, he allowed nine goals on 36 shots, a subpar showing that prompted head coach Rod Brind’Amour to replace him with Pyotr Kochetkov. Kochetkov finished Game 2 and was given the nod for Game 3, as the Hurricanes looked for a spark to shift momentum in the series.

Despite a strong start from Kochetkov in Game 3, keeping the score tied at 1-1 entering the third period, things unraveled quickly. The young goaltender surrendered five goals within a span of nine minutes, allowing Florida to secure a decisive 6-2 victory and a commanding 3-0 series lead. While his first two periods showed promise, the collapse in the final frame proved costly.

Brind’Amour Backs Kochetkov but Chooses Andersen’s Experience for Elimination Game

Coach Brind’Amour stood by his young goaltender after the loss, emphasizing that Kochetkov had done his job through the first two periods. He acknowledged that the team’s issues were broader than just goaltending and that Kochetkov had earned his place throughout the season. Nonetheless, with the stakes at their highest, the coach looked to the steadiness and experience that Andersen brings to the table.

Brind’Amour cited Andersen’s extensive playoff experience — 82 career postseason starts — as a key reason for the decision. The veteran netminder has a reputation for rising to the occasion despite long layoffs and challenges. Brind’Amour praised Andersen’s resilience and unique ability to step back into high-pressure situations seamlessly, qualities the Hurricanes desperately needed to avoid elimination and keep their championship hopes alive.

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Panthers Aim to Clinch Series Despite Injuries, Maintain Confidence and Strategic Depth

Florida currently leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, putting them in a strong position to clinch the series with a win in Game 4. If the Hurricanes manage to secure a victory, the series will shift back to Raleigh, North Carolina, for Game 5 on Wednesday. Despite missing key players, the Panthers have continued to show resilience and remain confident in their ability to close out the series.

Reinhart’s injury occurred during Game 2 after a low hit by Carolina’s Sebastian Aho, forcing him to leave in the first period. While the extent of his injury has not been detailed, Maurice downplayed long-term concerns, expressing hope that Reinhart, along with Mikkola and Greer, will return later in the series. Maurice emphasized that lineup decisions are being made based on who can perform best on a given night, rather than pushing injured players back too soon.

Panthers Rely on Depth as Reinhart’s Absence Highlights His Vital Scoring Role

To compensate for the absences, Jesper Boqvist remains in the lineup after scoring the opening goal in Florida’s dominant third-period performance in Game 3. Nico Sturm and Uvis Balinskis will step in for Greer and Mikkola, respectively. These changes indicate the team’s depth and readiness to adapt, a key trait during the high-stakes playoff run.

Sam Reinhart’s absence is particularly notable given his immense contribution to the team. He led the Panthers with 43 goals this season, including the playoffs, and was the hero of Game 7 in last season’s Stanley Cup Final. Since joining the Panthers four years ago, he has consistently been their top scorer. His potential return later in the series could provide a significant boost as Florida looks to close out the Eastern Conference finals and secure a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

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Brind’Amour Seeks Spark, Not Blame, as Andersen Struggles Against Panthers Attack

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized that the change is not a reflection of blame on Andersen, but rather a strategic decision to “change the vibe” of the team. While acknowledging Andersen’s recent struggles — a .750 save percentage and a 5.54 goals-against average over the first two games of the series — Brind’Amour stressed the need for more key saves and a spark to help rally the team. The move appears to be more about altering team dynamics than questioning Andersen’s overall ability.

Before facing the Panthers, Andersen had been outstanding in the postseason with a .937 save percentage and a 1.36 goals-against average across nine games. However, the Florida offense has exposed weaknesses in his game, scoring nine goals on just 36 shots over two matchups. Despite the recent downturn, Andersen continues to receive praise from teammates like defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who called him a “stone wall” and praised his calming presence.

Kochetkov Starts Game 3 as Hurricanes Face Must-Win, Lineup Shifts Possible

Kochetkov enters Game 3 with limited but notable playoff experience. He performed modestly during his brief appearance in Game 2, stopping four of five shots. Earlier in the playoffs, he helped Carolina advance past the New Jersey Devils when Andersen was sidelined. Kochetkov also led the Hurricanes in starts during the regular season, posting a 27-16-3 record, a .898 save percentage, and a 2.60 GAA. While his overall playoff stats (3.52 GAA, .871 save percentage) are less impressive, Carolina hopes he can provide a much-needed spark.

As Carolina looks to recover from being outscored 10-2 in the series so far, other lineup changes are under consideration. Defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker are both game-time decisions due to injuries, while forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to return after being a healthy scratch in Game 2. The Hurricanes face a must-win situation in Game 3, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, as they try to shift momentum and avoid falling into a 0-3 series deficit.

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That changed when the Florida Panthers came to town on Tuesday night. Florida defeated Carolina 5-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the series, just two days after knocking out the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 on the road.

“There’s a lot of emotion in a Game 7. To be ready to compete as hard as you can, knowing that \[Carolina] had a few days rest and they’re playing in front of their fans? It was a huge win. Huge win and really happy,” said Panthers forward A.J. Greer, who scored Florida’s third goal.

The game started with a physical tone, with both teams trading 11 hits before the second shot on goal. Carter Verhaeghe scored on the power play to give Florida a 1-0 lead.

“We wanted to be ready for this game. We know how hard they play here in this building especially, so we wanted to be ready for this game and I think obviously we got rewarded there early,” said Florida captain Aleksander Barkov.

Carolina’s Sebastian Aho was in the penalty box for a retaliatory penalty against Anton Lundell, who had cross-checked him. Before that goal, the Hurricanes’ penalty kill had only allowed one goal in 15 chances at home and two in 30 overall during the playoffs.

Verhaeghe said the Panthers were focused on starting strong after falling behind early in their last series against Toronto.

“It’s a tough building to play in. This gives us a lot of confidence that we can get a win here. We had a tough start to the last series going down 0-2. That’s one thing we wanted to do this series — at least win the first one,” he said.

Florida’s second goal showed how tough the night would be for Carolina. Logan Stankoven missed a great chance to score on Sergei Bobrovsky, and a strong forecheck by Florida led to a rare mistake by Jordan Staal. That allowed Aaron Ekblad to score and make it 2-0.

Every time the Hurricanes seemed to gain momentum, the Panthers had an answer. Aho scored late in the first period on a goal that was reviewed to check for a kicking motion. Florida coach Paul Maurice said there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the call. Greer then responded with a goal at 3:33 of the second period.

“We know what to do. We know the recipe. When everyone’s going and there’s a commitment to play a solid Panthers hockey game … it’s not easy, but it makes it hard for them,” Greer said.

Sam Bennett added a power-play goal and Eetu Luostarinen scored at even strength in the third period. “They got the two power-play goals. That was the difference in the game. We’ve got to kill those,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour.

Carolina’s only other goal came late on a power play from Jackson Blake, but that was all they could get past Bobrovsky and the Panthers.

Maurice said his team handled the change in opponent style well from Toronto to Carolina.

“I didn’t love our game tonight, but I understood it. Game 1 is that first look at what your game looks like against a completely different opponent. So we will have to continue to build that game and get better,” he said. “I thought they had good chances that they didn’t finish on. Sergei \[Bobrovsky] was very strong.”

Bobrovsky made 31 saves and outperformed Frederik Andersen, who allowed five goals on 20 shots. Andersen had been one of the best goalies in the playoffs before this series. Carolina put pressure on Bobrovsky throughout the game, including a moment when Andrei Svechnikov’s hip hit his head.

“It’s OK. It’s the playoffs. They try to get under the skin. I just focus on my things and try not to think about that,” Bobrovsky said.

As expected, tensions rose during the game. Brad Marchand received four minutes for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct after Carolina defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere shot the puck at him in response to a hit. The two nearly fought, though Gostisbehere didn’t drop his gloves.

“Just heated. I was pretty pissed off. He tried to take a run at me. I shot the puck at him. We had a little \[tussle],” Gostisbehere said.

Game 2 is Thursday night in Raleigh.

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“We know that’s how they do things,” he said on Wednesday, after Florida won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals 5-2. “Find a way not to let that get to you. Stick to what is going to win us games.”

A major concern in Game 1 was center Sebastian Aho’s roughing penalty on Florida’s Anton Lundell at 6:59 in the first period. That penalty canceled out a Carolina power play and led to Carter Verhaeghe scoring the game’s first goal during a Panthers power play. Aho reacted after being cross-checked by Lundell. Only Aho’s retaliation was penalized.

“I mean, the first penalty is bad call, right? You’re going to have those. But that’s my thing: Retaliation penalties are not going to get it done,” Brind’Amour said. “We did a pretty good job with \[retaliation], but it just takes one. That’s my point. You can’t have that one, because that really puts you behind the game and now it’s different.”

The Hurricanes are unbeaten in the playoffs when scoring first (5-0) but are 3-3 when they don’t. Before Game 1, their penalty kill had been strong — stopping 14 of 15 power plays at home and 28 of 30 total. But Florida scored twice on three power plays in the first game.

“They made us pay. It’s a good team that knows how to score goals and finds way to win games when you make mistakes,” said Carolina captain Jordan Staal. “We’ve got to limit those mistakes.”

Another incident of retaliation came in the third period when Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere fired the puck at Florida’s Brad Marchand. In this case, Carolina wasn’t hurt, as Marchand got a double minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct.

“Just heated. I was pretty pissed off. He tried to take a run at me. I shot the puck at him. We had a little \[tussle],” Gostisbehere said.

After the game, Florida players and coach Paul Maurice didn’t say much about the incident.

“It happens. It’s what it is. I mean, we block shots all the time, so what’s the difference?” said Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

That attitude shows in how calm the Panthers stay during games. Known for being physical and frustrating opponents — traits that helped them win the Stanley Cup last season — the Panthers can both deliver and take hits.

A good example came in Game 1 when Carolina players frequently crashed into Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. At one point, forward Andrei Svechnikov’s hip hit Bobrovsky in the head. Still, Bobrovsky stayed focused and his teammates didn’t respond with retaliation.

“It’s OK. It’s the playoffs. They try to get under the skin. I just focus on my things and try not to think about that,” Bobrovsky said after the game.

Maurice complimented his goalie’s calmness.

“Sergei’s not a kid. He’s been through it. He’s been bumped. He’s just developed a skill set that it just doesn’t bother him,” Maurice said. “No one likes getting elbowed in the head, but it won’t be the first time or the last time.”

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals is Thursday night in Raleigh. The Hurricanes have now dropped 13 straight games in this round of the playoffs, including five in a row to the Panthers.

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Carter Verhaeghe and Aaron Ekblad each scored a goal in the first period to set the tone, while Sergei Bobrovsky stayed strong in goal as the Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 in the opening game of the series Tuesday night.

A.J. Greer scored in the second period after a smooth 2-on-1 play for Florida, and Sam Bennett added a goal in the third period that helped seal the result. Eetu Luostarinen scored again later, making it 5-1 and adding to the lead.

“We love to win, of course,” Bennett said. “That’s why we’re here, that’s why we put in all these hours. That’s why we do the hard things that are necessary to win. It’s because we love it that much. We have one goal in mind and that’s going to be our focus the whole way.”

Bobrovsky made 31 saves, including during a stretch where Florida didn’t get a shot on goal for more than 15 minutes across the second intermission. This performance came just two days after the Panthers beat Toronto in a Game 7 on the road to reach this stage, setting up a rematch of the Eastern final from two years ago.

Florida won that series by sweeping all four games, each by one goal, including a Game 1 that went into four overtimes. As before, the Panthers quickly took away home-ice advantage from a team that had gone 5-0 at home in the playoffs.

“I think we didn’t love our game,” Verhaeghe said. “We liked our game, obviously anytime you win in the playoffs.”

Sebastian Aho scored the only goal for Carolina when the game was still close. Seth Jarvis’ pass hit Aho’s right skate and slipped under Bobrovsky at the end of the first period, cutting the lead to 2-1. But Florida answered with Greer’s goal after a backhand pass from Niko Mikkola beat Frederik Andersen early in the second to push the lead back to two.

Andersen had been playing very well in the playoffs, but was left alone with Verhaeghe close to the goal, allowing a fast power-play shot to the top right corner. Later, he couldn’t see the puck clearly because Brad Marchand was in front of him, leading to Bennett’s goal, which came right after Florida’s long stretch without a shot.

Both of those goals happened while Florida had a man advantage, which stood out because Carolina’s penalty kill had been the best in the playoffs, allowing just two goals on 30 attempts over two rounds.

“When they got the two power-play goals, I think that’s really the difference in the game,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “You’ve got to kill those. You’ve got to give them credit; when they get a chance it’s in the net. … They play a heavy, hard game, but they can score.”

Jackson Blake scored a goal late for Carolina, during a finish that saw Marchand ejected with a game-misconduct penalty after a scuffle with Shayne Gostisbehere. He was led off the ice by an official while yelling back toward center ice.

This was Carolina’s 13th straight loss in a conference final, going back to sweeps in 2009, 2019, and 2023.

Game 2 will be played in Carolina on Thursday night.

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Before Rantanen was traded in a big three-team deal last week involving the Chicago Blackhawks, Jack Roslovic had the No. 96 with Carolina. Rantanen worked out a deal with Roslovic to get the number. In Thursday night’s 3-2 win over the Blackhawks, Roslovic assisted on Rantanen’s first goal with the Hurricanes.

“That was a great play by Ros, the drop pass,” Rantanen said. “I was able to help the team, which was good.”

Rantanen added that all he had to do was ask Roslovic for the number.

“He’s a nice guy,” he said. “I told him I’d buy him a nice watch.”

Carolina also acquired Taylor Hall from Chicago in the trade, but Hall missed the Blackhawks game due to illness.

Carolina hopes that Rantanen’s goal in his home debut is just the beginning for him with the team.

The 28-year-old forward had a successful nine-plus seasons with Colorado, where he had career-best 105 points in 2022-23 and 104 last year. He’s on track to reach 100 points again this season.

The Hurricanes haven’t had a player reach 100 points in a season since Eric Staal did so in 2005-06, the year Carolina won the Stanley Cup.

“He knows he wants to come in here and help contribute right away,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “You’ve got to be on the scoresheet. That’s where everyone is looking. Now he has. Nice to see him get (the first one). Now he doesn’t have to worry about it.”

Rantanen played in his third game with the Hurricanes on Thursday. He had an assist in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over the New York Rangers for his first point with Carolina.

Rantanen helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, but he is eligible for free agency after this season.

The move to Carolina puts Rantanen on another strong team with some fellow Finnish players, including center Sebastian Aho, which has made adjusting easier for him.

“The guys have been great,” Rantanen said. “They’re a resilient group and they work really hard. You can tell they’ve had success in the last couple of years and they play really well together. I’m glad to be part of it.”

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Trade Deadline Sparks Hurricanes’ Activity

As the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the Hurricanes are becoming increasingly active in trade discussions. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman highlighted Carolina as a “team to watch,” emphasizing their readiness to make impactful moves. Although Friedman refrained from naming specific players or teams involved, his comments indicate the Hurricanes’ proactive approach to bolstering their roster. This heightened activity underscores their commitment to maximizing their playoff potential.

Among the swirling rumors, Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller has emerged as a potential target for the Hurricanes. With Vancouver’s situation intensifying, the likelihood of a trade appears to be increasing. While Carolina is a plausible destination for Miller, competition from teams like the New York Rangers and Utah Hockey Club adds intrigue. A potential acquisition of Miller could enhance the Hurricanes’ offensive depth and further their playoff aspirations.

Ongoing Goalie Speculation

Goaltending has been a recurring theme in the Hurricanes’ trade rumors this season. Injuries to veteran starter Frederik Andersen have necessitated exploring potential replacements, including Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson. Although no deals have materialized thus far, the Hurricanes remain a frequently mentioned team in goalie-related discussions. Strengthening their goaltending could prove crucial for Carolina’s long-term success in the postseason.

The Hurricanes’ recent success and active presence in trade talks highlight their determination to contend for the Stanley Cup. With speculation surrounding both offensive and goaltending upgrades, Carolina is positioning itself as a significant player in the trade market. Fans eagerly anticipate whether the team’s proactive approach will translate into impactful acquisitions, as they aim to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

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On Friday night, the Hurricanes acquired forwards Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks in a three-team trade. In exchange, they sent forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, along with a second-round pick in this year’s draft and a fourth-round pick in 2026 to Colorado.

The Blackhawks received a third-round pick for this year’s draft and took on half of Rantanen’s salary.

Rantanen, 28, is the key player in the deal. A two-time 100-point scorer, he set an Avalanche record with 55 goals in the 2022-23 season. He had been with Colorado since being drafted 10th overall in 2015 but was set to become a free agent next season after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.

“Mikko is one of the premier power forwards in our sport,” said Carolina’s first-year general manager Eric Tulsky. “It’s no secret that we’ve wanted to add elite skill to our lineup, and this is a player who should fit our system and locker room well. And Taylor gives us another high-skill option to bolster our attack.”

The Hurricanes have made the playoffs for six straight years, with two of those seasons reaching the Eastern Conference Final. However, they are still aiming to reach the Stanley Cup Final under coach Rod Brind’Amour, who captained the Hurricanes to the Cup in 2006.

Last year, Carolina tried to fix a long-standing problem by acquiring Jake Guentzel before the trade deadline to add more scoring. However, after a second-round playoff exit, they traded Guentzel’s rights to Tampa Bay before he was set to become a free agent.

Now, they’re adding Rantanen, who carries a $9.25 million cap hit this year, to a team that is second in the conference with 63 points, trailing Washington (71).

Carolina also adds Hall, a former Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP, who is 33 years old. Hall missed most of last season after right knee surgery. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft and had 39 goals and 54 assists for New Jersey in the 2017-18 season, winning the Hart Trophy. This season, Hall has nine goals and 15 assists in 46 games, with a $6 million salary and free agency approaching.

Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen had a positive view on the trade for Hall.

“For him, he gets an opportunity somewhere else,” Sorensen said. “It’s part of the business, right? So he’s got to deal with it. He’s a good pro. Been around the league for a long time. Has some good insight in terms of ideas, especially offensively.”

Hall’s teammate and Chicago’s captain, Nick Foligno, said the team shares some responsibility for the trade.

“We have no one else to blame but ourselves really in putting ourselves in the situation where they have to start thinking about the future and selling off. It’s not a fun feeling for anybody in here,” Foligno said.

The trade ends Necas’ time with Carolina, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2017. The 26-year-old, who has 16 goals and 39 assists, leading the team with 55 points this year, signed a two-year, $13 million contract in July to avoid an arbitration hearing.

The 24-year-old Drury, a former second-round pick, had 15 goals in 153 regular-season games with Carolina. They now join the Avalanche, who are fighting for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, while the Blackhawks, who are second-to-last in the league with 35 points, now have nine draft picks for this year.

Carolina also acquired the rights to forward prospect Nils Juntorp in the trade. This deal comes just before the NHL’s 4 Nations tournament break and a little more than a month before the trade deadline on March 7.

With close playoff races in both conferences, teams are looking to get ahead in the trade market. Talks have also picked up with rumors about Vancouver possibly trading forward J.T. Miller.

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Aho received a pass from Martin Necas in the slot and fired a slap shot into the net. Aho now has four overtime goals this season, tying him for the most in the NHL with Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers and Nick Suzuki from the Montreal Canadiens.

“We both can skate, and obviously we have some good history in the OT, so we have a little confidence when we go out there,” Aho said. “Another great pass by [Necas], and I’m lucky to put that in.”

Frederik Andersen, who was playing his first game since October 26 due to a knee injury, made 22 saves for the Hurricanes (28-16-3) in his 500th NHL game.

“It was nice,” Andersen said. “It’s obviously something I was looking forward to for a long time, just to be back and playing. It’s obviously what’s fun and what we like to do. It’s a nice moment (500 games), obviously. You move on pretty quick from these. You’ve got to go again tomorrow. It is kind of nice to acknowledge that and keep building those memories together.”

Petr Mrazek stopped 44 shots for the Blackhawks (15-28-4). Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Donato each had a goal and an assist.

“He was awesome,” said Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall about Mrazek. “He’s been really good for a huge portion of this season. He works hard and he’s always positive. He’s a very good teammate. That would’ve been a nice win to get for him, especially playing his former team.

“We got just a bit overwhelmed by their shot quantity and just how much time they spent in our end. We couldn’t hold onto a lead, with that being said. So yeah, just, we had a goalie that played more than well enough to get a win, and we couldn’t do it.”

Jordan Staal tied the game at 3-3 for the Hurricanes at 13:37 of the third period, tapping the puck into the net after Mrazek tried to cover it. This goal marked Staal’s 700th NHL point (295 goals, 405 assists) in his 1,300th game.

“You’ve got to give credit to the captain,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour about Staal. “We talked about him before the game. It’s the same stuff every night. Without him, I’m not sure where we’d be because he just drags us in it every night.”

Kurashev gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead at 9:46 of the first period. Ryan Donato carried the puck up the right-wing boards and made a backhand pass to Kurashev in front of the net. Kurashev had been a healthy scratch for four straight games and eight of the last nine.

“It’s definitely nice for me personally, but now I’ve got to do it again and try to help the team win,” Kurashev said. “It wasn’t always pretty, and we definitely didn’t have always good shifts, but I think we just kept it simple and worked off each other.”

Tyler Bertuzzi made it 2-0 for the Blackhawks at 16:55 when he knocked the puck down in front of the net, got it behind the net, and banked it off Andersen’s back.

Seth Jarvis scored for the Hurricanes on a short-handed goal at 1:25 of the second period, cutting Chicago’s lead to 2-1. Jarvis skated past Chicago defenseman Seth Jones and beat Mrazek with a backhand shot.

“Oh, yeah, we were dead in the water,” Brind’Amour said. “Not a good start. They’re on a power play there. They get one, and it’s probably lights out.”

Jesperi Kotkaniemi tied the game at 2-2 for the Hurricanes at 7:26, tapping in a pass from Eric Robinson behind the net.

Donato put the Blackhawks back in front at 19:41, taking a pass from Hall behind the net and scoring past Andersen’s stick side.

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This game was similar in that regard. Philipp Kurashev scored the first goal, taking advantage of the chance to play with Patrick Maroon out of the lineup. It was a big goal for Kurashev, who needed a strong performance to secure his place in the lineup for the near future, especially if he can continue producing offensively.

Tyler Bertuzzi followed with another goal, banking it off Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen. Frank Nazar made an excellent play, assisting Seth Jones for a shot that eventually led to Bertuzzi’s goal. Initially, Nazar didn’t get credited with an assist, but the NHL later corrected that decision. Nazar’s play showed his potential and ability with the puck on his stick.

By the end of the first period, the Blackhawks were in the lead. However, they have struggled in second periods all season, and this game was no different. The Hurricanes managed to tie the game with goals from Seth Jarvis and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

For the second game in a row, the Blackhawks regained the lead late in the second period. This time, it was Ryan Donato who scored with just 19 seconds left, putting Chicago ahead 3-2 as the period ended.

However, Chicago was unable to hold onto this lead. The Hurricanes tied the game in the third period at 13:37. After a scramble in front of the net, the referee saw the puck trapped under Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek but did not blow the whistle. Jordan Staal took advantage of the loose puck and scored. The lesson here was clear: players must keep playing until the whistle blows.

Both teams had their chances after that, but the goaltenders stood tall. Mrazek, in particular, was exceptional, making 44 saves on 48 shots. The Hurricanes finished with 91 shot attempts, and there was only so much Mrazek could do to keep his team in the game. That the game even reached overtime was a testament to his performance.

In overtime, the Hurricanes capitalized on a great play by Marty Necas. He made a brilliant pass across the ice to Sebastian Aho, who scored the game-winning goal with a one-time shot that beat Mrazek. It was a tough loss for the Blackhawks, especially after they had been so close to winning a second straight game against a top-tier team.

Now, the Blackhawks have a few days to rest and prepare for their next challenge. They will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night, another strong team. Chicago will likely be ready for that game, as they’ve been competitive in recent matchups, which is a positive sign moving forward.

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Both teams have lost four of their last six games and are coming off recent defeats.

The Hurricanes were shut out 4-0 at home by the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night, managing only 21 shots on goal.

“We’re so flat, we have no chance the way we’re going right now,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said during a bench interview in the game. “Zero.”

Carolina had just one shot in the first 12 minutes, even with a four-minute power play.

In the second period, while trailing 2-0, the Hurricanes thought they had scored when Jalen Chatfield’s shot deflected in off the skate of Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin. However, Minnesota coach John Hynes challenged the goal for being offside. After a review, it was determined that Jackson Blake was offside when trying to leave the ice during a line change, so the goal was overturned.

Pyotr Kochetkov made 23 saves for Carolina.

Center Jack Drury returned to the lineup for Carolina after missing 10 games due to a broken thumb.

As for the Penguins, they lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Florida Panthers on Friday in Sunrise, Fla.

Rickard Rakell tied the game at 2 with 40 seconds left in regulation with a power-play goal after goalie Tristan Jarry was pulled for a 6-on-4 advantage. This forced overtime and allowed Pittsburgh to secure at least one point.

“I thought we played extremely hard. It was another really good hockey game,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “We had a lot of good opportunities to score.

I loved our compete level down the stretch. We got one with the goalie pulled on the power play at the end. I just love the compete of this group right now, I love the intentions. We’re trying to play the game the right way.”

Sidney Crosby also scored a power-play goal, and Jarry made 31 saves.

“I thought the guys did a great job,” Jarry said. “We were able to get a power play at the end and that really helped. The guys executed and did what we talked about. Learning from the last game — a 4-2 loss at the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday — really helped us. I thought we brought a really good game tonight.”

Defenseman Owen Pickering returned after missing four games due to a concussion, getting nearly 14 minutes of ice time with a shot on goal. However, forward Philip Tomasino left the game in the third period with what looked like a lower-body injury after sliding into the boards.

Martin Necas leads the Hurricanes with 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists). Jack Roslovic has the team’s most goals with 17. Sebastian Aho is second in points with 40 and is tied with Andrei Svechnikov for third with 12 goals.

Crosby leads the Penguins with 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists). Rakell (18 goals, 14 assists) and Evgeny Malkin (8 goals, 24 assists) are tied for second with 32 points. Rakell is the team’s top scorer, and Bryan Rust is second with 15 goals.

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Brent Burns scored the first goal for Carolina, and Martin Necas sealed the win with an empty-net goal 28 seconds before the final buzzer. This was only the Hurricanes’ second win in their last 10 road games (2-6-2).

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made 25 saves, helping Carolina win for just the second time in their last five games overall.

Anton Lundell scored for the Panthers, and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky played well, making 37 saves in the loss.

Florida had beaten Carolina twice in mid-December by a combined score of 12-3, including a 6-0 shutout at home. The Hurricanes were clearly determined to play better on Thursday night.

Slavin’s goal was only his second of the season, and he also assisted on Burns’ goal 35 seconds into the game.

Carolina had 14 of the game’s first 15 shots but only led 1-0, as Florida’s power play went unsuccessfully.

After Bobrovsky made a great save, Florida quickly countered and tied the game 2:17 into the second period with Lundell’s goal.

By the end of the second period, Carolina had 16 shots, just like the first period, and led Florida 32-15 in shots heading into the third.

Necas scored his 15th goal of the season, and it was his first since Dec. 5 after slipping down the NHL points race. He had led the league in points for the first month of the season.

Carolina went 0 for 3 on power plays but stopped both of Florida’s power-play chances, including one early in the third period.

It was also the NHL debut for Carolina forward Juha Jaaska.

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They face a tough challenge on Thursday night when they play the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Florida.

One way the Hurricanes believe they can get back on track is by improving their performance away from home.

“It’s obviously tougher playing on the road,” said coach Rod Brind’Amour.

The Hurricanes have won just one of their last four games, after losing 4-3 in a shootout to Columbus on Tuesday night.

What’s even more concerning for Carolina is their 1-6-2 record in their last nine road games, and their overall season record of 8-9-2.

“We have to figure out what’s going on on the road games right now,” said Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. “It has been happening for a while now. We have to find a way out of it. Have the same mindset we have for the home games.”

Florida last played on Monday, beating the New York Rangers 5-3 at home.

This gives Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky enough time to prepare for Florida’s first game of 2025.

“He has been very, very good,” said Florida coach Paul Maurice. “I think his last nine or 10 starts, he’s been fantastic for us.”

For the Panthers, starting a new year is significant after their victory in the 2024 Stanley Cup.

“We’ve had a spectacular and memorable year,” Maurice said.

Florida has scored within the first five minutes of a game 12 times this season.

Despite their recent struggles, the Hurricanes have shown signs of good play in some games, which keeps them hopeful for the future.

“There are certain ways we want to do things, and they’re trying to do it that way,” Brind’Amour said about his players. “It’s not always going to work out.”

The loss in Columbus featured “some weird goals that cost us,” according to Brind’Amour.

At the end of November, the Panthers beat the Hurricanes twice—6-3 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and 6-0 at home in the rematch.

“We were really bad the last two games against them,” Kotkaniemi said. “We need to fix that.”

Spencer Martin, who is now back in the minor leagues, was the losing goalie in both of those games. Florida rotated goalies, with Spencer Knight earning a 20-save shutout in one of those games, which was one of only two times this season the Hurricanes have been shut out.

Carolina forward Jack Roslovic has scored three goals in the last two games. His line has been working well together.

“They’ve been fairly dynamic and we need them on the scoresheet,” Brind’Amour said. “He has been good all year.”

Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, who has set a career-high with four goals, missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury. He was back on the ice earlier this week. Maurice has called Mikkola the team’s best defenseman this season.

“Not an injury we’re worried about becoming chronic,” Maurice said. “It’s more pain tolerance. That’s not even fair because he’d play with it. We need him to heal a little bit and then he’ll come back and won’t come out.”

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Fantilli scored in the fourth round of the shootout, beating Pyotr Kochetkov five-hole, helping the Blue Jackets improve to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Kirill Marchenko scored twice, Dmitri Voronkov added a goal and an assist, and Sean Monahan had three assists for Columbus. Elvis Merzlikins made 32 saves, earning his third win in his last four starts (3-0-1).

Ty Smith, Jack Roslovic, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored for Carolina, which dropped to 2-3-1 in its last six games. Sebastian Aho had two assists, and Kochetkov made 25 saves.

Carolina outshot Columbus 15-10 in the first period, but the Blue Jackets led 2-1 after 20 minutes.

Marchenko opened the scoring at 4:48 of the first, putting a Monahan pass past Kochetkov. Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk earned his first career point with the secondary assist.

Carolina tied the game on a power play when Smith’s shot from the point deflected off Ivan Provorov and past Merzlikins at 9:59.

Columbus regained the lead at 15:43 when Marchenko scored again, taking advantage of an out-of-position Kochetkov, who had been run over by Brent Burns. Marchenko now has six goals and nine assists in his last nine games.

Roslovic tied it at 2-2 at 5:47 of the second, tapping in a pass from Seth Jarvis for his team-leading 17th goal.

Carolina took a 3-2 lead at 8:18 of the second when Kotkaniemi backhanded a shot past Merzlikins on the glove side.

Voronkov tied the game 3-3 on a power play at 4:58 of the third, as his cross-ice pass deflected off Jarvis’ skate and into the net.

Carolina defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere missed his second game due to an upper-body injury.

This was the third of four meetings between the two teams, with Carolina’s record now at 1-0-2 in those games. Columbus will visit Carolina on January 23 to finish the season series.

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The Devils will look to complete a weekend sweep, while the Hurricanes hope to even things up when New Jersey visits Carolina on Saturday night. This will be the final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with the Devils winning two of the first three matchups.

On Friday, Luke Hughes scored the game-winning goal just over four minutes into the second period, and Dawson Mercer added another goal a few minutes later to give the Devils a 4-2 victory in Newark, N.J. This win marked their third straight and sixth in the last seven games, helping them extend their lead in the Metropolitan Division.

The Devils are now three points ahead of the second-place Washington Capitals and eight points ahead of the third-place Hurricanes.

“Massive — very, very important to come out of Christmas like that,” Hughes said after the game. “Big divisional games and hopefully it’s an eight-point swing (Saturday).”

However, both teams recognized areas for improvement. The Devils, who average 30.2 shots per game (seventh in the NHL) while allowing the second-fewest shots (25.1), were outshot 31-23 by Carolina.

The 31 shots from the Hurricanes were the most allowed by the Devils since Dec. 2, when the New York Rangers fired 39 shots on goal.

Carolina also ended a streak of seven games in which New Jersey’s opponents had 20 shots or fewer, marking the longest such streak since the NHL began tracking shots in the 1959-60 season.

“I didn’t think it was our best game, by any means,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Playing against a team that’s willing to shoot the puck from the parking lot — they’re going to get it there, so you’re going to get tested.”

On the other hand, the Hurricanes, who are second in the NHL with 31.7 shots per game and allow only 25.1 shots against, played well on both ends of the ice but still couldn’t capitalize on their chances.

“I liked our game overall,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Giving up four (goals) is not what we want to do, but we didn’t really give up a ton of opportunities. So overall, I didn’t mind the game at all.”

Despite that, Carolina has been struggling to finish its scoring chances. The Hurricanes have scored three or fewer goals in four straight games, and 10 of their last 13 games dating back to Nov. 29. During this stretch, they’ve gone 5-8-0 and fallen out of first place in the Metro Division. They were also leading the entire Eastern Conference before this stretch.

“Obviously, both teams know how to play against each other,” Brind’Amour said. “There’s no secrets there. We’ve got to find a way to get a few more past them.”

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Luke Hughes had a goal and an assist for his third two-point game in the past four matches. Ondrej Palat, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer also scored for the Devils.

Hughes was one of five defensemen who recorded an assist in the game. The Devils have now won three straight games and six of their last seven. Brent Burns had a goal and an assist for Carolina, and Eric Robinson also scored. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 19 shots for the Hurricanes, who have lost three of their last four games.

Although the Devils’ streak of allowing fewer than 20 shots on goal in seven games came to an end, Markstrom remained solid in net. The Devils’ offense continued to perform well, and they have now won three games in a row for the fourth time this season.

Carolina took the lead midway through the first period when Robinson pushed a loose puck behind Markstrom after a shot from Jackson Blake. However, the Devils quickly responded with two goals in 42 seconds.

Palat tied the game at 16:12 of the first, deflecting a shot from Johnathan Kovacevic past Kochetkov. Hughes then helped set up New Jersey’s second goal, passing to Stefan Noesen, who set up Hischier for the go-ahead goal with 3:06 left in the period.

Burns scored early in the second period to tie the game, but Hughes put the Devils back in front with a goal at 4:15. He was assisted by Brett Pesce and Jesper Bratt. Mercer added a fourth goal for the Devils with 11:23 remaining in the second period.

The final 8:11 of the game was played without any stoppages. The Devils will aim for their first four-game winning streak since January 2023 when they meet the Hurricanes again in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday.

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Coach Sheldon Keefe’s team has won five of their last six games, including two shutout victories in a row. Jacob Markstrom made 12 saves in their 5-0 win over the New York Rangers on Monday, just two days after making 12 saves in a 3-0 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Devils have recorded three consecutive shutouts, a feat they last achieved in April 1997.

In Monday’s win, Jack Hughes scored two goals and added an assist, while Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer each had a goal and an assist. Jesper Bratt and Luke Hughes both recorded two assists.

The Devils’ offense has been strong during the last six games, scoring 19 goals in five of their wins. At the same time, their defense has been just as impressive. They haven’t allowed an opponent to get more than 20 shots on goal in seven games, marking the longest such streak since the NHL began tracking the stat in the 1955-56 season.

Keefe said he didn’t know the league kept track of that stat but credited his team’s commitment to defending the middle of the rink and preventing opponents from getting multiple scoring chances.

“Whether it’s having the puck well and managing it well or closing space when we don’t have it, it’s just a really tremendous buy-in and commitment from our guys,” Keefe said.

This shot-on-goal streak might be at risk when the Devils face the Hurricanes, who average 31.6 shots per game.

Carolina is wrapping up a four-game road trip on Friday. They lost 5-2 to the Nashville Predators on Monday, suffering their second loss in three games. The Hurricanes were down 4-0 heading into the third period but managed to close the gap with goals from Jordan Staal and Sebastian Aho. However, they couldn’t get any closer.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the team’s recent struggles are not due to a lack of effort. “We got to keep working it, trying to find the right combinations to spice things,” he said. “We know a couple things that we know work, and then it’s just finding the rest. But (Monday), we just as a group weren’t hard enough to play against for the majority of the game, and we got what we deserved.”

The break may have come at a good time for Martin Necas. The 25-year-old center continues to lead Carolina in scoring with 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 34 games, but he’s currently in the middle of an eight-game goal drought. He hasn’t recorded an assist in the last four games and has only one assist in his last six.

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Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with Jordan Martinook contributing a goal and an assist. Additional goals came from Sebastian Aho, William Carrier, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, while Jordan Staal added two assists. The win was a much-needed boost for the Hurricanes, who have struggled with consistency, earning just their third victory in eight games.

Key defensive moments defined the game, particularly in the opening period. The Hurricanes successfully killed three penalties in the first 14 minutes, with Tokarski making four crucial saves during that stretch. This strong defensive showing allowed Carolina to maintain control, marking their first win by more than two goals since November 20.

As both teams prepare for their next games, Columbus faces the challenge of improving their poor 4-10-2 road record when they take on Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Carolina will look to carry this momentum into their matchup against the New York Islanders, wrapping up a four-game homestand.

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Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho connected on a slick 2-on-1 play to open the scoring, with Aho slipping the puck past Merzlikins. Later in the first period, Jordan Staal set up William Carrier for a backhand finish, doubling Carolina’s advantage heading into intermission. The Staal line, which included Martinook and Carrier, was instrumental, combining for two goals and three assists in a dominant performance. The Hurricanes thrived when playing at even strength, controlling the tempo and creating quality scoring opportunities.

The second period saw Columbus attempt to fight back. Kirill Marchenko forced a turnover behind the net, leading to Dmitri Voronkov scoring to cut the lead in half. Carolina responded with sustained pressure, and Jordan Martinook tipped in a shot by Staal. After a tense review for goalie interference, the goal stood. Another Columbus challenge negated a potential Hurricanes goal for a hand pass, but the Canes maintained their two-goal cushion heading into the third period.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi sealed the game early in the final period with a sharp shot over Merzlikins’ glove, assisted by Martin Necas. Columbus pushed for a comeback, but Tokarski and the Hurricanes’ defense was impenetrable, ensuring the win. Tokarski, making his first NHL appearance in nearly two years, proved reliable, handling early penalty kills and making key saves throughout the game. His strong showing adds optimism for Carolina’s goaltending situation moving forward.

The Hurricanes now look ahead to their final game of a four-game homestand against the New York Islanders on Tuesday. The Islanders previously defeated Carolina with a dominant second period earlier this month, setting the stage for a challenging rematch. After Tuesday, the Hurricanes face three consecutive road games before the Christmas break, starting with a matchup against the Washington Capitals on Friday night.

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The Hurricanes will finish a four-game homestand on Tuesday night when they face the New York Islanders in Raleigh, N.C.

Carolina secured their third win in the last eight games on Sunday, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1.

“We’ve been trying to figure it out a little bit. We’d have a good game and then an off game,” said Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook. “That (Sunday) was more of how it looks and how we play and everybody was pulling on the same rope. Hopefully, we can build off that because we did a lot of good things.”

Both Martinook and teammate William Carrier ended goal droughts that had lasted 13 games in the win against Columbus.

“We had a lot of scoring chances before and they weren’t going in,” Carrier said.

Sebastian Aho, the team’s top scorer last season, had gone eight games without scoring, but he broke the drought with a short-handed goal to put his team up 1-0.

While some Hurricanes players ended their scoring struggles, Martin Necas kept up his strong performance. He became just the second player in franchise history to record 30 assists in the first 30 games of a season, joining Ron Francis (1982-83). Necas has collected seven points in the past six games.

The Hurricanes might return to goalie Pyotr Kochetkov, even though Dustin Tokarski was the winner in his Carolina debut on Sunday.

The Islanders had won three of their last four games before beginning a three-game road trip with a 5-3 loss at Chicago on Sunday.

“I think we need to be a little bit more consistent,” said Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson. “We have to reset. Obviously a tough game on Tuesday.”

However, Islanders captain Anders Lee felt there was no need for discouragement after their recent game.

“We gave ourselves a chance to win a hockey game,” Lee said. New York will look to improve their power play after going 0-for-4 against Chicago.

A factor could be the return of some players to the lineup. Center Mathew Barzal played on Sunday for the first time since late October, logging two shots on goal in nearly 21 minutes of ice time. Barzal said he aims to perform better on Tuesday.

“That’s the key, just moving on,” Barzal said. “We just got to find a way to get these games.”

Islanders center Bo Horvat missed Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury, and his status for Tuesday’s game will be determined later.

The Islanders defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 at home on Dec. 7, with three points from Jean-Gabriel Pageau, despite two goals from Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov. Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves for New York. Kochetkov took the loss after allowing four goals on 25 shots.

Pageau has not scored in three of the four games since the first meeting with Carolina. After Tuesday’s game, the Hurricanes will head out on the road for their next four games.

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Nick Jensen added a goal and an assist for the Senators, who won four out of their last five games. Michael Amadio and Nick Cousins each recorded two assists.

Ullmark recorded his second shutout of the season, bringing his career total to 10 shutouts in 266 NHL games. His career record against Carolina is now 1-4-1.

This was the Hurricanes’ second shutout loss of the season, both of which occurred within a six-game period. Pyotr Kochetkov made 19 saves in the loss, as Carolina dropped five of its last seven games.

The Senators improved to 6-13-1 in their last 20 matchups with the Hurricanes and had not won in Raleigh in over three years.

Ullmark has been excellent recently, with a record of 5-0-1 in his past six starts.

Carolina’s 32 shots were the second-most they’ve taken in the last eight games.

Pinto scored the first goal of the game at 4:04 in the second period after receiving a short pass from Amadio and firing from the slot. It was Pinto’s second goal of the season, with his first coming in the season opener. He had been sidelined for eight games with an injury. Pinto also ended a 15-game streak without a point.

Jensen added a goal with 5:15 remaining in the game, marking his second goal of the season. His first came on Nov. 7.

Pinto scored his second goal into an empty net with 47 seconds left. His only other two-goal game was on Nov. 10, 2022, at New Jersey.

Carolina failed to score on two power plays in the first period and did not get another opportunity for the rest of the game. The Senators also went scoreless on two power plays.

Both games between Ottawa and Carolina this season have been shutouts, with the Hurricanes winning 4-0 at home on Nov. 16.

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Necas’s impressive performance has placed him in contention for major individual honors, particularly the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the league’s top scorer. Though he faces stiff competition from other superstars like MacKinnon and McDavid, Necas is having a breakout season. His 43 points through 28 games are the most in Hurricanes history for this point in the season, surpassing the previous record of 41 points set by Eric Staal in 2005-06. His current points-per-game rate of 1.54 puts him on track for 126 points, which would break the franchise’s single-season record.

What makes Necas’s breakout even more remarkable is his rapid improvement compared to last season. At this point in the previous season, Necas had only 43 points through 56 games, highlighting the jump in his production. This season, he has already surpassed his total number of multipoint games from last year, and he is one of the league leaders in such performances. His all-around play has also been impressive, as he has nearly as many games with three or more points (four) as he has with no points (five).

Beyond his scoring, Necas is a key contributor in all aspects of the game. He boasts a strong shot, with a top speed of 94.62 mph, placing him in the 97th percentile among forwards. His midrange shooting also ranks highly, both in shots on goal and goals scored from that area. Additionally, Necas is a force defensively, leading Hurricanes forwards with 11 takeaways. His success is also tied to the Hurricanes’ possession-based style of play, which has helped them dominate shot attempts, particularly at 5-on-5.

Necas has been an important player on the Hurricanes’ top power-play unit, leading the NHL with 19 power-play points. His production on special teams has been a key factor in Carolina’s success, as he has been on the ice for 55 of their goals this season. With his current contract expiring after the 2025-26 season, Necas has put himself in a position to be a major factor in the NHL’s award races and could become one of the league’s top players in the years to come.

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Defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Brent Burns also scored for the Hurricanes, who were down 2-1 going into the third period.

Burns tied the game at 4:11 in the third with his second goal of the season, and Chatfield followed with his third goal, directing the puck to the ice with his glove and firing a shot that deflected off a San Jose player for an unassisted goal.

Pyotr Kochetkov made 21 saves as Carolina earned its second win in the last six games (2-4-0).

Luke Kunin scored both goals for the Sharks, who lost their third straight game. Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves.

Neither team scored on the power play, with the Hurricanes failing to convert on four opportunities. The teams combined for 0-for-7 on power plays.

San Jose, playing its fifth game on a six-game road trip, was outshot 28-23 and didn’t create a quality scoring chance in the third period until the final 90 seconds.

Martin Necas, who was tied for first in the NHL with 42 points, assisted on Burns’ goal.

Gostisbehere gave the Hurricanes an early lead in the first period, scoring his sixth goal of the season at 4:26.

Kunin scored his seventh and eighth goals in a 12-minute stretch. His first goal tied the game with 1:09 left in the first period, and his second put the Sharks ahead at 11:44 of the second period.

San Jose had scored just one goal in regulation in each of its last three games.

Sebastian Aho assisted on Burns’ tying goal. About three minutes after Burns’ goal, Carolina’s Seth Jarvis hit the post with a shot.

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The Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, most recently falling 4-3 to the New York Islanders on Saturday. Andrei Svechnikov scored two power-play goals, giving Carolina a 2-1 lead midway through the second period, but the Islanders scored three goals before the second intermission to take control.

Turnovers have caused problems for Carolina.

“We’re just a little off,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “We forget how hard it is (not only) to play our game, but to win. Can’t take it for granted. … We’ve gotta regain it. There’s only one way to play. There’s no easy way. We’ll get there.”

Now could be a good time for the Hurricanes to find their rhythm with the start of a four-game homestand before heading on the road for four straight games that will stretch past Christmas.

The Sharks are also dealing with their own struggles after losing two games in a row. They have scored just one goal in regulation in each of their last three games.

“I think at times we play in fear and we lose our swagger,” said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky. “That’s where we’re at right now.”

The Sharks lost 3-1 on Saturday to Florida, despite a strong performance by goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 49 saves. Warsofsky called it “one of the best goalie performances (he’s) ever seen,” but on Monday the Sharks traded Blackwood to the Colorado Avalanche and got veteran goalie Alexandar Georgiev in return.

There wasn’t much to say after the Panthers outshot the Sharks 52-22.

“There is a lot you can learn from that team,” said Sharks center Nico Sturm. “The next step for us as a team is playing with the swagger and the belief in ourselves.”

For the Hurricanes, fewer shots on goal have limited their usual ability to trouble their opponents.

“We’ve got to make it a lot harder,” said Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. “We’ve got to find it. We need to find that consistency with what we were doing early in the season and we’ll turn it around.”

In the last three games, the Hurricanes have scored five power-play goals. Gostisbehere says this is due to players becoming more comfortable with their roles on the power play.

But this isn’t enough to fix Carolina’s slump. “We’ve got to get our 5-on-5 game going,” Brind’Amour said.

Svechnikov had a career-high four-point game (one goal, three assists) in Carolina’s most recent home game, a win against Colorado last week. He followed that up with two power-play goals on Saturday.

Gostisbehere believes the team can get back to its best. The players know there are areas that need improvement.

“It’s hard to chase games in this league,” Gostisbehere said. “It’s tough when you try to come from behind. It’s little things that have crept into our game the last five.”

Over the weekend, the Hurricanes made a roster move, placing forward Brendan Lemieux on waivers before he was released.

San Jose is on its fifth consecutive road game, with one more stop on the trip at St. Louis on Thursday. Sharks forward Will Smith didn’t play on Saturday and is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Sharks and Hurricanes won’t play each other again until March 20.

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On Saturday afternoon, the Hurricanes have a chance to make it even harder for the Islanders to reach the playoffs next spring.

The struggling Islanders will try to end their losing streak when they face the Hurricanes in their first matchup of the season in Elmont, N.Y.

Both teams had a break on Friday after playing at home on Thursday. The Islanders lost 5-2 to the Seattle Kraken, while the Hurricanes won 5-3 against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Islanders’ 18th loss of the season, which was the worst in the Eastern Conference, might have been their most frustrating. The Kraken were ahead 4-0 after two periods, even though they had only 13 shots.

New York, which has been outscored 45-24 in the third period and overtime this season, managed to score two goals to reduce the gap, but Jaden Schwartz sealed the win for Seattle with an empty-net goal with 2:40 left.

A crowd of 14,877, more than 2,000 people short of the UBS Arena’s 17,255-seat capacity, was quiet until they booed the Islanders off the ice after their worst loss of the season.

New York has lost 10 of their last 13 games (3-5-5), falling to last place in the Metropolitan Division. However, they ended Thursday just two points behind the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

“I understand our fans were (ticked) off,” said Islanders coach Patrick Roy. “I’d be (ticked) off as well. Nobody was very happy, and they deserve to not be happy. But at the same time, our guys were trying. We just didn’t have our best game. We got outplayed, and they played better than us.”

The mood for the Hurricanes was better after they ended a season-worst three-game losing streak with a win over the Avalanche on Thursday.

Seth Jarvis scored the go-ahead goal 4:09 into the second period, and Jack Roslovic made it 3-1 just 2:32 later. Jarvis’ goal was the Hurricanes’ first lead since their previous win, a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Nov. 27.

The Hurricanes, who had been outscored 16-5 during their losing streak, limited the Avalanche to only 14 shots in the first 54 minutes of the game. Colorado then managed five shots and scored twice over the final 5:47.

Carolina center Martin Necas scored with 2:11 left to make it a two-goal lead before another Avalanche goal. But Carolina right winger Andrei Svechnikov stopped the Avalanche’s comeback attempt by scoring an empty-net goal with 16 seconds remaining.

“It didn’t faze them, they just kept playing,” said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. “The way it’s gone the last few games, it could have maybe gone a different direction, but it didn’t.”

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NHL points leader Martin Necas had a goal and an assist, while Eric Robinson, Seth Jarvis, and Jack Roslovic also scored for Carolina, which ended a three-game losing streak.

Pyotr Kochetkov made 16 saves, earning his first win since November 20. He had missed some time due to a concussion and had taken a loss in Tuesday’s game against Seattle.

Valeri Nichushkin scored twice for Colorado, while Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring for the Avalanche. Colorado’s goalie Scott Wedgewood stopped 30 shots.

Wedgewood, who was acquired from Nashville last Saturday, made his first start for Colorado after getting a win in relief earlier in the week.

The Avalanche, playing the second game of a five-game road trip, couldn’t come back after recovering from a four-goal deficit in their 5-4 win over Buffalo on Tuesday night.

The teams scored three goals in the final 2:11, starting with Necas’ power-play goal that pushed Carolina to a 4-2 lead and increased his point total to 41.

Nichushkin answered just 24 seconds later, but Svechnikov finished his career night with his ninth goal of the season with 16 seconds left.

Carolina won for the seventh time in 12 games where they allowed the first goal of the game.

The Avalanche took the lead 9:13 into the first period when Lehkonen capitalized on a Carolina defensive mistake, breaking away from the neutral zone to score.

Lehkonen has scored three goals in his last four games, bringing his season total to six, despite missing the first 12 games.

Carolina responded when Robinson scored his eighth goal at 16:05 in the first period.

The Hurricanes had two power-play opportunities in the first period but failed to score. However, Jarvis scored with the man advantage at 4:09 in the second period to give Carolina a 2-1 lead.

Roslovic added another goal less than three minutes later for his 13th of the season. He has been scoring at a much higher pace this year compared to the 2023-24 season, where he only had nine goals in 59 games with Columbus and the New York Rangers.

Nichushkin scored his first goal of the game at 14:41 in the third period before Necas answered with the game-winning goal.

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Both teams have hit rough patches, making their matchup on Thursday night in Raleigh, N.C., important for both sides.

“I think we know we’re in a little bit of funk here with our play,” said Carolina forward Eric Robinson.

The Hurricanes have lost three straight games for the first time this season. In their 4-2 loss to Seattle on Tuesday, they managed only 19 shots on goal, which is unusually low for a team that typically takes many shots. They had just seven shots after two periods.

“We fought back a little bit, but we can’t play two periods like that,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “We were not sharp.”

The Avalanche, with a 7-5-0 road record, came from behind to win 5-4 at Buffalo on Tuesday after scoring four goals in the third period. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and added an assist, helping his team recover from a 4-0 deficit.

“We went into a couple of things, more details of what we need to do and what we need to see from every guy if we were to get back into that game,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “They knew we needed to get more competitive. We definitely got more relentless on the puck.”

That win was just Colorado’s second in their last five games (2-3-0), with the other win coming in a shootout. So, despite the big comeback, there are still concerns for the Avalanche as they begin a five-game road trip.

“It’s nice to see our team dig in,” said Bednar.

Carolina, on the other hand, has struggled to create the scoring chances that usually define their play.

Hurricanes forward Martin Necas leads the league with 13 multi-point games, including a goal and an assist on Tuesday. But he needs more support, and Brind’Amour has noticed that.

“Our top guys got to come and that includes everybody,” he said. “If we’re going to win, we have to have those guys being the top guys.”

Brind’Amour has made changes to the line combinations, hoping to get more production from his forwards.

“I’ve done that, so that’s not the answer,” Brind’Amour said. “You got to look in the mirror and do your job. We’re going to turn the page.”

Despite some struggles earlier in the week, there were positives for Carolina, like their success on the power play. The Hurricanes have scored 12 power-play goals in their last 11 games.

Colorado’s goalie Scott Wedgewood, making his debut with the Avalanche, got his first win since October on Tuesday, stopping all 22 shots in relief at Buffalo. He had started the season with Nashville.

Wedgewood has had past success against Carolina, including a memorable 44-save performance in his Dallas debut in March 2022 in Raleigh.

Carolina’s 9-3-0 home record is impressive, but they have lost their last two games at home. Overall, they have dropped five of their last seven games (2-4-1). The Hurricanes will play five of their next six games at home, starting with Thursday’s game.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to come together and get back to our winning ways,” said Robinson. “Everybody is working hard. Everybody wants to win.”

Thursday’s game will be the second stop on Colorado’s five-game road trip.

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Eeli Tolvanen and Brandon Tanev also scored, and Matty Beniers had two assists for the Kraken, who ended a three-game losing streak. Goalie Joey Daccord made 15 saves.

For the Hurricanes, Martin Necas scored a goal and had an assist, and Eric Robinson also scored. Pyotr Kochetkov, back after missing four games with a concussion, stopped 25 of 29 shots.

Gourde scored the go-ahead goal at 10:48 in the third period. He received a pass from Schwartz and deflected the puck past Kochetkov into the net just inside the left post.

Tanev added a breakaway goal at 15:03 to seal the win.

The Hurricanes tied the game at 2-2 on a power play at 5:43 of the third. Sebastian Aho passed to Necas, who made a move to the net and slid the puck between Daccord’s legs.

Carolina seemed to take the lead at 10:02 when Jack Drury scored on a sharp-angled shot. However, the Kraken challenged the goal for goaltender interference, and after video review, it was ruled that Robinson had bumped into Daccord, causing the goal to be disallowed.

Seattle took the lead just 19 seconds into the game thanks to their new second line of Gourde, Beniers, and Schwartz. Beniers forced a turnover in the Kraken’s defensive zone, passed to Gourde, and then Gourde fed Schwartz, who split two defenders and scored past Kochetkov before sliding into the boards.

The Hurricanes tied it at 4:56 when Necas intercepted a poor pass from the Kraken and passed to Robinson, who scored from in front of the net, just inside the left post.

Seattle regained the lead at 5:56 of the second when Tolvanen scored off a rebound after Kochetkov stopped Oliver Bjorkstrand’s shot.

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On Wednesday in Raleigh, N.C., the Hurricanes will try to extend their home win streak to nine games, while the Rangers aim to avoid a fourth straight loss. This will be the first matchup of the season between the two Metropolitan Division teams.

Last season, Carolina fell short of winning the division by just three points, finishing with 111. The title went to the Rangers, who also claimed the Presidents’ Trophy after earning a league-best 114 points.

A little more than a month into the current season, Carolina is in third place in the league with 31 points. At home, they have outscored opponents 41-16 since a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in their home opener on Oct. 11.

The Hurricanes have scored at least four goals in each game of their home win streak and have reached that mark 16 times in 21 games this season.

They kept the streak going with a 6-4 win over the Dallas Stars on Monday. Carolina scored five goals in the third period, including a tiebreaking power-play goal from Martin Necas with less than three minutes left, after trailing 3-1.

“I already know what we have,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “It’s just, can they grasp how we have to play every shift? I think sometimes we get a little off and try to do things differently, then all of a sudden, we get to the way we have to play… We don’t always get the result like that, but you’re giving yourself a chance. Really, a game like that, that’s what you’re hoping you get out of it.”

Sebastian Aho scored the first goal in the third-period comeback and had three assists. Seth Jarvis scored in his first game since Nov. 9 and added two assists, including one on Necas’ goal.

Despite uncertainty in goal, the Hurricanes continue to win. Frederik Andersen is still recovering from knee surgery, and Pyotr Kochetkov is in concussion protocol after a collision with defenseman Sean Walker during Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Spencer Martin started in goal on Monday.

The Rangers started strong with a 5-0-1 record but have struggled since, going 7-7-0 in their last 14 games and losing three in a row. They ended a four-game road trip with a 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, then suffered another loss at home, 5-2, to the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

Will Cuylle scored twice, but key players like Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, and Mika Zibanejad combined for only six shots on goal and were a combined minus-7, as the Rangers were outshot 44-29.

“We need to be better,” said New York coach Peter Laviolette. “Everybody needs to be better. It’s not good enough what we’re doing.”

Monday’s loss came after reports that Rangers general manager Chris Drury had told other teams he might be open to trading forward Chris Kreider and defenseman Jacob Trouba, who has a no-move clause for 15 teams.

Kreider missed his first game since Jan. 16, 2023, on Monday due to an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. He has nine goals in 19 games this season. Trouba was on the ice for two goals in Monday’s loss and has only two points since recording four assists in the first three games of the season.

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Necas passed the puck from the left circle to the low slot, where it deflected off Dallas defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin’s skate and past goalie Jake Oettinger. This goal gave Carolina the lead, which they held onto. Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with just 14.5 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Seth Jarvis scored a shorthanded goal and had two assists, while Necas and Shayne Gostisbehere each had a goal and an assist. Brent Burns also scored for the Hurricanes, who extended their home win streak to eight games. Spencer Martin made 15 saves on 19 shots to earn his second win.

Mason Marchment, Tyler Seguin, and Miro Heiskanen each scored a goal and had an assist for Dallas, with Matt Duchene adding two assists and Thomas Harley also scoring. Oettinger stopped 28 shots but could not prevent the loss, snapping Dallas’ two-game win streak.

Seguin gave the Stars a 1-0 lead just 18 seconds into the game by tapping in a pass from Marchment, which was the second-fastest opening goal of the season, only behind Nathan Walker’s 11-second goal for St. Louis.

Jarvis tied the game with a shorthanded goal at 6:36, but Harley put Dallas back in front midway through the first period with his second goal. Marchment made it 3-1 with his seventh goal early in the second period.

Carolina responded in the third period with three straight goals from Aho, Burns, and Gostisbehere, taking a 4-3 lead. Heiskanen tied the game with 5:16 left, scoring a wrist shot past Martin’s blocker side.

With 2:25 left in the game, Wyatt Johnston was called for high-sticking, giving Carolina a power play that led to Necas’ game-winning goal.

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