The Carolina Hurricanes saw their win streak come to a halt Thursday night, but they still managed to leave the rink with a point in hand. A 4-3 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in Raleigh wasn’t the result they wanted, but it extended their current point streak to four games.
The Canes never held a lead in this one - they trailed three separate times - but each time, they clawed back with an answer. That resilience has been a hallmark of their recent play, but once again, the shootout proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
Now, with a four-day break ahead and a lighter schedule to close out the month, Brandon Bussi is expected to get the nod in net. It's a chance for the 25-year-old to get valuable minutes while giving the rest of the roster a breather before the long Olympic break.
But while the downtime will be welcome physically, it also opens the door for divisional rivals to gain ground in the standings. The Hurricanes are in a strong position, but this next stretch is about staying sharp and not letting momentum slip away.
On the Other Side: Ottawa Senators
Ottawa arrives with a bit of a chip on its shoulder - and for good reason. After finally snapping a seven-year playoff drought last season, the Senators made a spirited run in the first round against the Maple Leafs.
Down 3-0 in the series, they battled back to win Games 4 and 5 before falling in six. That postseason taste was overdue, and it’s clear the Senators are hungry for more.
This offseason, they opted for a more surgical approach rather than an overhaul. The biggest move was acquiring defenseman Jordan Spence from the Kings, and while the roster didn’t change much, the offense hasn’t skipped a beat.
Tim Stützle continues to be the engine - producing at over a point-per-game pace - while Jake Sanderson has emerged as one of the NHL’s most efficient and impactful blueliners. The depth scoring has also been there: eight players have already hit double-digit goals, and ten have crossed the 20-point threshold.
But the story in Ottawa this year has been the revolving door in net. Five different goaltenders have seen action, and none of them have managed a save percentage north of .889.
Linus Ullmark took a leave of absence, Leevi Merilainen has struggled to find consistency, and James Reimer was brought in as a stabilizing presence. So far, the results have been mixed.
Combine that with a few blown leads in recent games, and it’s clear the Senators are still searching for answers between the pipes.
Looking Back: Last Season’s Matchups
The Senators took two of three from the Hurricanes last season, including a wild, high-scoring affair in the final game of the regular season - a 7-5 Ottawa win that saw momentum swing like a pendulum. The teams also traded shutouts in Raleigh: Spencer Martin blanked Ottawa in November, while Ullmark returned the favor a month later. If history is any indication, these matchups can go in just about any direction.
Senators to Watch
Shane Pinto - One of Ottawa’s brightest young forwards, Pinto has continued to build on his breakout. With 14 goals and 25 points, he ranks fourth on the team in goals and seventh in total scoring.
He’s also had Carolina’s number - three goals in three games last season, including a two-goal performance in Raleigh. He’s got the kind of quick release and net-front instincts that can turn a game in a hurry.
Claude Giroux - At 38, Giroux is still making an impact. He’s long been a thorn in the Hurricanes’ side going back to his Flyers days, though Carolina did a solid job neutralizing him last season - no points in three games. His three-game assist streak was snapped Thursday in Nashville, but he remains a veteran presence who can shift momentum with a single play.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jackson Blake - The rookie winger continues to impress. With 16 goals and 30 points in 51 games, he’s nearly matched his totals from last year - and there’s still a lot of hockey left to play.
Blake scored the game-tying goal late in the third on Thursday, forcing overtime and securing a point. He’s now riding a mini hot streak, with four points in his last four games.
His confidence is growing, and it’s showing in his ability to make plays in tight spaces.
Alexander Nikishin - Thursday’s game had its physical moments, and Nikishin didn’t shy away. After delivering a clean hit, he dropped the gloves with Chicago’s Oliver Moore and landed a few heavy rights. The Hurricanes don’t always lean into the physical side of the game, but Nikishin’s willingness to stand up and send a message could be a factor tonight against a Senators team that isn’t afraid to stir the pot.
What’s at Stake
For Carolina, it’s about maintaining momentum through a lighter part of the schedule and banking points before the Olympic break. For Ottawa, it’s about finding some consistency - especially in net - and proving they can hang with teams above them in the standings. Both squads have offensive firepower and young talent, but the difference could come down to who gets the steadier performance in goal.
Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of skill on display - and don’t be surprised if it takes more than 60 minutes to settle. Again.