The Carolina Hurricanes wasted no time putting the Chicago Blackhawks in a hole Saturday night, rolling to a 9-2 win in their final game before heading to Finland for two games against the Kraken.
It was the kind of night where the Hurricanes kept landing punches in waves. Jordan Martinook and Andrei Svechnikov each scored twice, while Sebastian Aho finished with a goal and two assists to pace the attack.
Carolina set the tone almost immediately and never let go. Seth Jarvis struck a little more than a minute into the game, and Jackson Blake followed about two minutes later to make it 2-0. Martinook then added two more in a row, including one finished off a slick no-look feed from Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Kotkaniemi kept contributing beyond that setup play, picking up two assists and going 10 for 14 in the faceoff circle for a 71% mark.
The first period ended with Carolina up 4-0, and the scoring kept coming in the second. Svechnikov opened the frame with his first of the night, then Aho buried a perfect shot to push the margin even further. Alexander Nikishin joined the fun after that, sending a long blast toward the net that deflected in for his first goal of the season.
Nikishin made his season debut count in a big way, logging 20-plus minutes, adding an assist and finishing plus-3.
Pyotr Kochetkov backed it all up in goal, stopping 18 of 20 shots to move to 11-1-0 on the season.
Chicago managed two goals in the third after Carolina had taken its foot off the gas, but the Hurricanes answered with goals from Gostisbehere and Svechnikov to close out the night in emphatic fashion.
In Other News...
Hurricanes Had Connor Bedard Sounding Defeated After Carolina Rout
Connor Bedard did not sound like a player trying to spin anything after Chicagos 9-2 loss to the Hurricanes. The Blackhawks captain took aim at his teams performance, pointing to the record and the defensive breakdowns that have made nights like this far too familiar, even as he noted the group remains close away from the rink.
For Carolina, it was another reminder of how quickly this team can pile on when an opponent opens the door. For Chicago, it was another rough checkpoint in a season that already has Bedard carrying a heavy load, with 14 points in 12 games after signing his five-year extension and being named captain. The talent is still obvious, but the frustration around the Blackhawks is starting to sound louder by the day. [Read more 🡒]
Hurricanes May Have Just Pushed Chicago Into Panic Mode
Chicagos rough start has already pushed the organization toward early-season soul-searching, and the frustration has spilled into the kind of trade chatter that usually waits until later on the calendar. After a string of ugly results, the Blackhawks held a players-only meeting to address the mood in the room and look for a way forward, while the front office has been active enough in discussions to suggest it is not content to let the season drift.
For Carolina, that matters because the Hurricanes are among the teams watching the market with interest, and Chicagos willingness to talk now could create opportunities before the standings get any worse. The Blackhawks appear ready to consider meaningful changes sooner rather than later, which is the sort of pressure point that can reshape a trade market fast, even if the full list of names and the exact asking price are still being kept close to the vest. [Read more 🡒]
Hurricanes Blue Line Could Look Very Different Against Chicago
Carolinas blue line could get a notable jolt against Chicago, with the projected lineup pointing to a different look as the Hurricanes continue to manage injuries and scratches. The defensive mix has been in flux, and the matchup offers another chance to see how the group holds together with a fresh addition in the fold.
Alexander Nikishin is expected to make his first appearance of the 2026-27 season after signing a one-year deal on Oct. 25, giving the Hurricanes another option on the back end at a time when they are still sorting out their depth. In goal, Pyotr Kochetkov is projected to start, with the chance to keep building on a strong run that has made him one of Carolinas most reliable answers in net. [Read more 🡒]