2023-24 Regular Season, Game 46: Hurricanes at Boston Bruins (Postgame)

Two teams playing incredible hockey locked up in Beantown as the Carolina Hurricanes and their moms traveled to Boston to face the Bruins for the first time this season. The Canes ended their six-game homestand on Sunday night with a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild, thanks to a hat trick by Kirill Kaprizov, but finished 3-2-1 during their stay as they look to gain ground in the Metropolitan Division. The Bruins continue to light up the league, holding a decent advantage in the Atlantic Division despite losing some key players in the offseason. 

Scoring Summary

1st Period

CAR (18:04)- Martin Necas (12) PP (assisted by Brady Skjei (19) & Jack Drury (13))

2nd Period

CAR (11:50)- Teuvo Teravainen (15) PP (assisted by Seth Jarvis (20) & Sebastian Aho (36))

3rd Period

BOS (1:30)- Brad Marchand (22) (assisted by Trent Frederic (13) & Hampus Lindholm (17))

BOS (7:20)- Brad Marchand (23) (assisted by Charlie Coyle (22) & Trent Frederic (14))

CAR (17:33)- Jordan Martinook (7) (assisted by Teuvo Teravainen (12) & Sebastian Aho (37))

My Thoughts

That was as close to playoff hockey as we've gotten this season. I'm not sure I could handle a seven-game series between these two with how this game played out. This had all the makings of a rough game for the Canes. They were playing their first road game in weeks without one of their biggest offensive weapons and starting a waiver-claimed goalie in his team debut against the best team in the Eastern Conference in front of their moms and Brent Burns' daughter on national television. This could've been a complete disaster. Then, they blew a 2-0 lead in the third period, and I was convinced my nightmares were coming true. Jordan "Wayne Gretzky" Martinook busted down the door to save the day and allow me to sleep better tonight. 

I love beating the Bruins in Boston almost as much as I love beating the Rangers in New York. There's something about going into their building and silencing the crowd that makes me happy. When they decimated the Bruins twice during the regular season a few years ago, I was convinced there was nothing in the world better than that, other than winning the Stanley Cup. Because I like beating Boston, it hurts just as much when the Canes lose to them. Had they blown their 2-0 lead and lost, I'm not sure I would be able to sleep at all. Begrudgingly, I have to give the Bruins props. That was an incredible 60 minutes of hockey from both teams. The atmosphere was electric, even from home. It was exactly the type of game you'd expect from two great teams. 

The entire sequence leading to the game-winner was beautiful. After killing a late penalty, Jaccob Slavin does an excellent job of pushing David Pastrnak off the puck during a 1-on-1. Pastrnak still ended up getting a shot during the shift, but Spencer Martin got his blocker on it, allowing Brent Burns to turn the puck up the ice. With Brandon Carlo looking to close off the play, Sebastian Aho made a subtle pass back to Teuvo Teravainen, allowing him to spring Martinook. Wendy Martinook's baby boy might've missed his shot location, but it still ended up in the back of the net. I doubt it's how the team drew it up before the game, though I'm sure they'll take it. 

Down the lineup, this was a great game from the Hurricanes. Outside of Brad Marchand scoring twice in the third period, they did a great job of limiting Boston's stars. Pastrnak finished with five shots, though it never felt like he was a major threat to score. On the other side of the coin, Aho and Teravainen had two points each. Seth Jarvis picked up an assist and nearly scored while the Canes were short-handed in the second period. Martin Necas scored for the third straight game since returning from his injury. Martinook now has six goals in January. The fourth line didn't score, but I liked their game through the first two periods. The Staal line had its moments. Spencer Martin outdueled the reigning Vezina winner in his first start with the Canes. The power play struck twice. The penalty kill went 4-for-4. I'm not sure what else you could've asked for from this game. It was a wire-to-wire slugfest, and the Canes managed to come out on top. 

My Three Stars of the Game

3rd Star- Spencer Martin- 26 saves (Team Debut)

This was a nearly impossible situation for Martin to come into. Less than a week ago, he was the third-string goalie for one of the worst teams in the league. Tonight, he was making his first start as a Hurricane against the best team in the conference. I thought he was phenomenal. I can't fault him for either Marchand goal, but he made the big saves when called upon, earning his first win in style. 

2nd Star- Martin Necas- 1 goal

I like this version of Necas better than any other iteration we've seen of him this season. He scored another goal, opening the scoring on the power play as part of his game-high nine shots. He was all over the ice all night, making life miserable for the Bruins' defense. He now has points in four straight games dating back to before his injury, including four points in the three games he's played since returning. 

1st Star- Teuvo Teravainen- 1 goal, 1 assist

With Svechnikov out for the second straight game, Teravainen needed to be a difference-maker. Tonight, he was that in spades. He made an incredibly skilled play to get his stick free from Coyle before shooting the puck with his stick between Coyle's legs. Then, he made the pass of the night by getting Martinook into the zone for the breakaway that put the game away. A lot of guys could've ended up in this spot, but Teravainen took the top prize tonight. 

Up Next- The Canes will complete a back-to-back tomorrow night with the rested New Jersey Devils coming to town. They've been off since Monday after beating Vegas 6-5 in overtime. The final game before the All-Star Break will be on Saturday night when the Canes host the Arizona Coyotes. While the rest of the team will be off for the next week, Sebastian Aho will make his way to Toronto to partake in the All-Star festivities.