2023-24 Regular Season, Game 66: Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers (Postgame)

After a thrilling battle three weeks ago, the Hurricanes and Panthers met at PNC Arena to conclude their season series. With each side picking up a win in their home arena, the Canes looked to avenge their 1-0 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night. With Jake Guentzel playing in his second game and Evgeny Kuznetsov getting used to the team's style, the team is starting to take its final form for the stretch run. This was sure to be a spirited affair between two teams whose rivalry is growing with every passing encounter.

Scoring Summary

1st Period

CAR (19:11)- Seth Jarvis (21) (assisted by Jordan Staal (18) & Jaccob Slavin (21))

2nd Period

CAR (2:46)- Martin Necas (21) (assisted by Dmitry Orlov (16) & Jake Guentzel (31))

CAR (8:27)- Evgeny Kuznetsov (7) (assisted by Jalen Chatfield (13)

3rd Period

CAR (15:42)- Andrei Svechnikov (17) EN (assisted by Jaccob Slavin (22))

My Thoughts

The Panthers are starting to become one of those teams, like the Bruins, Rangers, and Devils, that I loathe playing because extra-curricular activities happen after almost every whistle, even when nothing consequential is happening. It was clear from the jump that things were going to be tense after their last encounter. At some points, it makes sense, but every little inconvenience turns into a spectacle. I felt the referees mishandled a few situations throughout the night, but it didn't end up making too much of an impact. I get that it's part of their game, and I don't mean to sound like a baby, but it becomes pointless after 60 minutes. Especially when you're getting your butt handed to you. Take your loss and go home.

Now that I'm done complaining, that was fun to watch. I know he's played a few games already, but this felt like Evgeny Kuznetsov's "Welcome to Raleigh" game. He's been everything we could've hoped for and more. Tonight, he found the back of the net, and the place went wild. From the comfort of my apartment, I also went nuts. I almost lost my mind when it looked like Jake Guentzel had scored, only to be disappointed that the goalpost didn't cooperate. It was nice that he eventually was given the secondary assist on Martin Necas' goal, giving him his first point as a Hurricane, too. Their chemistry with Necas has been incredible. The way they pass the puck to each other is unreal. They complement each other well, and tonight was the first night when it felt like they were finally rewarded. 

The defense was on another level tonight. Things were tight in the first period as the Panthers got a few good chances, but it only got stronger as the night went along. They finished the night with four assists, contributing to all four goals that were scored. Jaccob Slavin led the way with two helpers, while Dmitry Orlov and Jalen Chatfield earned primary assists on the two goals in the second period. The Panthers only managed two shots on three power plays and were held to just 11 shots in the final 40 minutes, making Andersen's night a lot easier. They kept the Panthers' stars out of the game, with only Carter Verhaeghe really standing out.

The only part of the Hurricanes' game tonight that I didn't like was their power play. While it isn't a big surprise, considering they were playing the Panthers, the Canes finished the game with more power plays than their opponent for the first time since the All-Star Break. They have five chances and looked disjointed on all of them. The second unit was far superior to the top group, but neither group was particularly good. They haven't gotten many chances lately, and they break through every few games, but it hasn't been nearly like it was earlier in the season. I'm not suggesting we overreact yet. It's just something to keep an eye on for the time being.

My Three Stars of the Game

3rd Star- Dmitry Orlov- 1 assist

Picking three guys was hard after as strong a game as this way, but I'm starting by recognizing the third defensive pair. I thought Orlov was fantastic tonight. He's become a reliable penalty killer, and he drew a penalty by using his speed in the third period. Orlov tied for the team lead in shots, and he picked up another assist, proving the primary helper on Necas' goal. 

2nd Star- Jaccob Slavin- 2 assists

The ultimate turning point in tonight's win might've been Slavin's stretch pass to help facilitate the opening goal in the final minute of the first period. He made a great play to Staal to set up Jarvis, and it was all uphill from there. He added another assist on the empty-net goal by making a great defensive play. His game in the defensive zone was solid, too, but that's a given.

1st Star- Evgeny Kuznetsov- 1 goal

Initially, I thought we'd be celebrating a multi-point night for Kuznetsov, but his assist went to Guentzel. Instead, we'll celebrate his first goal as a Hurricane. Through four games, his addition has been nothing but positive. On top of it, he seems incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and it's showing up on the ice. Hopefully, this will be the first of many eagle celebrations this season.

Postseason Watch- I forgot to do this after the game on Tuesday, likely because we had just played the Rangers, who we're chasing in the division. They were in action again tonight as Igor Shesterkin looked to extend his shutout streak. Instead, Brayden Point had three goals and three assists, while Nikita Kucherov added five points as the Bolts beat the Rangers 6-3. The Hurricanes are now four points back with the same number of games played.

As for their potential opponents as the second-place team in the division, the Flyers were handed a big 6-2 loss at home by the Maple Leafs, whom the Canes will visit on Saturday. Philadelphia got a little help, though, as the Islanders were shut out 4-0 by the Sabres. New York is four points back of the Flyers for third in the division, but they have two games in hand. The Islanders currently occupy the second Wild Card spot. 

Up Next- The Canes will begin a three-game road trip on Saturday, playing the first half of a back-to-back against the Maple Leafs. They'll be in Ottawa on Sunday to conclude the Canada trip. It'll also be the second half of a back-to-back for the Senators. The final stop will be on Long Island to face the Islanders.