2023-24 Regular Season, Game 53: Hurricanes at Arizona Coyotes (Postgame)

The Hurricanes started their three-game road trip in Dallas on Tuesday night, suffering a 4-2 loss behind a few defensive lapses. After two days off, the Canes took their talents to Arizona to conclude their season series with the Coyotes. It was nearly three weeks ago that Dmitry Orlov scored in the final minute to break a 1-1 tie to help the Canes pick up a win before the All-Star Break. Arizona is trying to snap a seven-game losing streak and get back into the playoff race in the Western Conference.

Scoring Summary

1st Period

CAR (0:16)- Jordan Martinook (9) (assisted by Brady Skjei (22) & Jordan Staal (12))

CAR (4:50)- Jalen Chatfield (5) (assisted by Martin Necas (20) & Jack Drury (15))

ARZ (14:32)- Dylan Guenther (5) (unassisted)

2nd Period

CAR (6:28)- Seth Jarvis (17) (unassisted)

CAR (17:16)- Teuvo Teravainen (17) PP (assisted by Jack Drury (16) & Stefan Noesen (17))

3rd Period

CAR (4:37)- Michael Bunting (12) (assisted by Martin Necas (21))

My Thoughts

When I saw the shuffled line combinations before the game, I wasn't quite sure how to feel about them. Three of the four lines had changed, including Jesper Fast on the top line. When the Staal line, the only group that hadn't been touched, scored 16 seconds into the game, I felt a little better. Sometimes, a little familiarity goes a long way. They had been the team's best line in Dallas, so to see them connect almost immediately made me confident the rest of the lines could do the same. For the most part, that's what they did. The Drury line with Martin Necas and Michael Bunting stood out. Combining for five points helped matters, but it felt like every time they were on the ice, they were a threat to score. The other two lines were fine, albeit quiet at 5-on-5. 

I was a little too confident coming into this game that Spencer Martin would get the start, considering this was the "easier" of the two games during this back-to-back. However, going with Pyotr Kochetkov was the better option for the short and long term. Obviously, he was fantastic tonight, stopping 30 of 31 shots, but playing him tonight allows him to get the start at home on Monday night instead of Martin playing two of their three games in four days after sitting on the bench for over three weeks. That's why I wouldn't be a good hockey coach. As for Kochetkov's performance, it came without too many bells and whistles. He got shafted on the penalty he took on JJ Moser when he attempted the flying poke check, but it was an otherwise seamless night. His numbers only continue to get better, as his GAA lowered to 2.46, moving him into 8th in the league. 

The turning point in tonight's win was early in the second period. After the Canes made it 2-0 early in the first period, the Coyotes took control of the game. They got a goal late in the first period and hit two crossbars over the next few minutes between the first and second periods. The Aho line came out and had one of their best shifts of the night, giving way to the Staal line taking advantage of a turnover a shift or two later. When Seth Jarvis scored his goal to make it 3-1, the momentum took an immediate turn in the Canes' favor. Instead of a 2-2 game, the Canes had restored their two-goal lead, which only got larger as the night went on. Carolina didn't fall into the trap at Mullett Arena, handing the Coyotes their eighth straight loss. 

My Three Stars of the Game

3rd Star- Jack Drury- 2 assists

As if Drury hasn't had enough taken away from him this season, he was initially credited with a third assist on Bunting's goal. It has since been taken away, but it doesn't take away from the strong night Drury had. Two assists are still good. As the center on the best line for either side tonight, he has stepped into a larger role this season and continues to thrive. 

2nd Star- Jordan Martinook- 1 goal

Since January 1, no Hurricane has been hotter than Martinook. His goal 16 seconds into the game not only set the tone for this win, but gave him eight goals in 2024. He has done it on just 30 shots, and his goal tonight was the only shot he had. Ignoring the two penalties he took, it was a good night for Martinook. 

1st Star- Martin Necas- 2 assists

The only area of Necas' game that was lacking tonight was his effort in the faceoff dot. Despite going just 1-for-5, the one faceoff he won resulted in him picking up an assist on Bunting's goal in the third period. He also earned a primary assist on Chatfield's goal in the first period and helped set in motion the power-play goal in the second. 

Up Next- The Canes will be back in action in less than 24 hours, making the trip to Las Vegas to complete their season series with the Golden Knights. Vegas hasn't played since Monday, when they lost at home to Minnesota. They'll be back at PNC Arena on Monday night, beginning a three-game homestand against the Blackhawks.