2023-24 Regular Season, Game 70: Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Postgame)

After an incredible road trip for the Hurricanes, they returned to PNC Arena on Thursday night for the first half of a back-to-back against the Philadelphia Flyers. While their stay at home will be short, it was nice to see them back in the friendly confines to battle the team they'd be playing in the first round of the playoffs if the season needed today. This was an important game for the Flyers, who are looking to maintain their spot in the division with several teams trying to make a run at what is currently theirs. 

Scoring Summary

1st Period

None

2nd Period

CAR (3:56)- Jordan Martinook (13) (assisted by Martin Necas (27) & Brett Pesce (10))

PHI (4:21)- Scott Laughton (12) (assisted by Joel Farabee (28) & Bobby Brink (12))

CAR (10:43)- Jalen Chatfield (8) (assisted by Sebastian Aho (49) & Dmitry Orlov (20))

3rd Period

PHI (10:16)- Travis Konecny (28) (assisted by Morgan Frost (26) & Owen Tippett (21))

Overtime

CAR (1:28)- Seth Jarvis (26) (assisted by Brent Burns (27))

My Thoughts

The Carolina Hurricanes didn't deserve to win this game based on the 60 minutes they played in regulation. If this game was played 100 times, the Flyers probably win more than two-thirds of the time. However, it's hard to lose a game when you don't allow your opponent to do anything with the puck in overtime. The Canes had three chances to win it in the extra five minutes, doing so on the third one in less than 90 seconds. It's one of those games you look at, laugh at, and move on from. Having to go 11/7 likely didn't help matters. I was a little hopeful we'd see one of Teuvo Teravainen or Jack Drury back after the morning skate, but Tony DeAngelo filled in with Jesper Fast's absence, causing the lines to be moved around. That was tough, considering how well the four lines had been clicking in the last four games. Still, the Canes got two points and that's about all we could ask for. 

Without Frederik Andersen being insanely calm tonight, the Flyers win this game in regulation. I thought he and Samuel Ersson both played very well, giving both of their sides a reasonable chance to win. While I didn't think the Canes deserved to win, Andersen's effort in the third period made me feel like he alone should be credited with the win. He made some odd-man and breakaway stops throughout the night that could've changed the course of the game. Instead, it was one breakaway and one mad scramble that beat him. We've talked a lot about how great he has been since returning. This is starting to feel like the Vezina-caliber goalie who should've been a finalist two years ago when he came to Raleigh. 

Depending on how the final 12 games play out, this might've been a look at a potential first-round matchup. The season series will show a decided edge for the Hurricanes in the win column, taking three of the four meetings, but two of the games were incredibly tight. This was the first time this season that the home team won in the matchup, with the previous three being taken by the road team. Despite their 3-1-0 record, there wasn't much separation between the two combatants. The Canes finished with an 11-8 edge in goals while killing every penalty. In a potential seven-game series, this would be a slugfest. Both teams have been strong defensively this season, so I would expect a physically-charged battle between two teams currently on different organizational trajectories. 

Finally, I felt it appropriate to talk about the Hurricanes' broadcast tonight. With Mike Maniscalco absent tonight to attend his mother-in-law's celebration of life, Tripp Tracy and Shane Willis provided what was dubbed an "Open Ice" telecast, where the two analysts provided an analysis-driven broadcast of the proceedings. The two former players were joined by Cam Ward, Justin Williams, and Jack Drury throughout the night to give the players side of things and provide their perspective on the game. While it was far from a traditional breakdown, I really enjoyed it. I give Bally credit for going back to this format after they did it earlier in the season. It provided great insight into the sport that I, and many others, love. It is also worth noting that Tripp and Shane are now 2-0-0 in the booth this season. 

My Three Stars of the Game

3rd Star- Jordan Martinook- 1 goal

While he's no longer the Canes' leading goal scorer in 2024, there's no ignoring how much of a heater Martinook has been on in the calendar year. Tonight was his 12th goal, and it was a big one to kick off the scoring. He absolutely sniped his shot off the crossbar to get things going. He finished the night with a game-high five shots.

2nd Star- Seth Jarvis- 1 goal

With tonight's game-winner, Jarvis has goals in five straight games, including the winning goal in the last three. He's so close to hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time in his young career, and it's not unreasonable to think he won't get there. His line with Guentzel and Aho was the Canes' best once again, but it was his chemistry with Burns that got it done.

1st Star- Frederik Andersen- 30 saves

I don't care how many times it needs to be said. Without Andersen's performance tonight, the Canes don't even earn a point. He's won all five starts since returning from his medical emergency. He hasn't allowed more than two goals in any of his starts, either. The team in front of him didn't help him much in the third period, but Andersen remained cool and collected. He's in rare form right now, and it's fun to watch every time he's on the ice. 

Postseason Watch- Despite the win, the Canes weren't able to tie the Rangers tonight after New York used a three-goal third period to beat the Boston Bruins 5-2. The deficit remains two points for the Hurricanes for the top spot. While they weren't able to earn the second point tonight, the Flyers added to their lead for the third spot after the Islanders fell to the Red Wings. The Flyers hold a four-point lead over the Capitals, though Washington holds two games in hand.

Up Next- The Hurricanes will be back on the road to complete the back-to-back as they travel to D.C. Friday night against the Capitals will be the third meeting of the season with Washington and the first time facing the Capitals for Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Canes will be at home on Sunday night, completing their season series with the Toronto Maple Leafs at PNC Arena.