As the Carolina Hurricanes gear up for a crucial weekend, they're eyeing four pivotal points in their ongoing playoff push. After a tough loss in Montreal, where they initially surged ahead with goals from Nikolaj Ehlers and Jordan Staal, only to fall 5-2, the Canes are looking to bounce back.
This weekend is a big one across the Metro division. The Canes will host Montreal, while their closest competitors are also in action. Pittsburgh takes on the Stars, the Islanders face the Panthers in a Saturday matinee, and the Blue Jackets have a back-to-back against San Jose and Boston.
On the Opposing Side: New Jersey Devils
In their last encounter, the Canes rode a wave of momentum from a high-scoring game against the Panthers to secure a 4-1 victory over the Devils. Andrei Svechnikov was the star, notching another hat trick reminiscent of his postseason heroics, and Frederik Andersen was stellar in net.
Despite a season that hasn't met expectations, the Devils have been playing with pride. They've won nine of their last 12, including three out of four on their current road trip, which wraps up tonight in Raleigh.
A key factor in their recent success has been improved goaltending and defense. Jacob Markstrom boasts a 7-3-0 record in his last ten outings, while Jake Allen has been solid despite two narrow losses. Offensively, they remain 27th in goals, but there's undeniable talent to contend with.
Injuries have plagued the Devils, with former Hurricanes Brett Pesce and Stefan Noesen sidelined for the season. Pesce's been limited to 37 games due to injuries, and Noesen's knee surgery in January has kept him off the ice.
Players to Watch
Devils:
- Jack Hughes: Fresh off his Golden Goal heroics in Milan, Hughes is on a tear with a seven-game point streak, tallying 14 points. Despite playing 20 fewer games, he's just a point shy of the team lead.
- Connor Brown: Even with the playoffs out of reach, Brown is finishing strong. He’s racked up 13 points this month, with eight in his last six games, tying him for fourth in team points.
Hurricanes:
- Logan Stankoven: As the regular season winds down, Stankoven is a player to watch. The Canes didn't make a center upgrade at the trade deadline, so he's their go-to guy. He’s close to surpassing his goal total from last year, seeking consistency in his scoring.
- Shayne Gostisbehere: Back in practice, Gostisbehere is expected to suit up, providing a boost to the power play. With Nikishin quarterbacking, the unit has been strong, and Gostisbehere's return should only enhance it.
The stage is set for an exciting weekend of hockey, with every game carrying significant weight in the playoff race. Keep an eye on these key players as the action unfolds.