2024-25 Regular Season, Game 3 Preview: Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins

The Hurricanes found their way into the win column on Tuesday night, beating the Devils 4-2 for their first victory of the season. After allowing a goal to Jack Hughes early in the second period, the Hurricanes scored three unanswered. Seth Jarvis and Shayne Gostisbehere put the Canes ahead through 40 minutes before Jackson Blake redirected a shot midway through the third period for his first NHL goal. Nico Hischier scored during a 5-on-3, but Sebastian Aho iced the game late into the empty net to secure the victory. Pyotr Kochetkov earned the win, outdueling Jacob Markstrom by making 24 stops. The Hurricanes now embark on a six-game journey as the State Fair rolls into town. The first stop on the trip will be their lone meeting with a conference opponent.

The Opponent: Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0, 6 Points This Season)

Not much about the Pittsburgh Penguins changed during the offseason. Reilly Smith is the most notable addition to the team, but they are largely the same team they have been in recent memory. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have proven they still have plenty in the tank this season. After losing their opener 6-0 at home to the Rangers, Pittsburgh has rattled off three wins in their last four games, scoring six goals in all three wins. Wednesday's win over the Sabres was especially memorable. Tristan Jarry was yanked after allowing three goals on five shots as the Penguins fell behind 3-1. On their lone goal of the period, Crosby notched his 1600th point by recording the secondary assist. Joel Blomqvist helped the Penguins work their way back into the game. Early in the third period, Crosby set up Malkin for his 500th NHL goal and the team poured off the bench to celebrate. Buffalo would strike twice in 40 seconds to regain the lead midway through the period, but Rickard Rakell tapped home a loose puck with Blomqvist on the bench to force overtime in the final minute. In overtime, Tage Thompson was guilty of tripping Malkin, allowing the Penguins' power play to end it. Erik Karlsson found Crosby on the doorstep, giving Pittsburgh a thrilling 6-5 win.

Last Season's Meetings- The home team won each of the four meetings last season, with each side winning a game in extra time. Sidney Crosby and Sebastian Aho traded goals through 40 minutes of the first meeting in mid-November before the Canes outscored the Penguins 301 in the third period. Seth Jarvis scored twice in the final 20 minutes, including the game-winner as part of a three-point night. The Penguins would get a small amount of revenge right before Christmas. Crosby was the only player to beat Pyotr Kochetkov, scoring in regulation and the lone goal in the shootout to help Pittsburgh win 2-1.

Brett Pesce and Jordan Martinook had the Canes up 2-0 in Raleigh during the third meeting in mid-January, but Crosby and Bryan Rust scored in the third period, including the tying goal with 43 seconds left to force overtime. Pesce would play the hero, scoring his second of the night in overtime to earn a 3-2 victory. The Penguins earned the most decisive victory of the season series in the final meeting in late March. Jesse Puljujarvi and Rust scored in the second period before the Pens added two empty netters in a 4-1 win. Dmitry Orlov was the lone goal-scorer for the Hurricanes in the loss. 

Stories of the Night

1. Can Anyone Stop Malkin?

Evgeni Malkin is the league's leader in assists (9) and points (11) entering play on Friday. Outside of Game 1, when the Penguins were shut out, Malkin has posted at least two assists and two points in each game, including three points on Monday against Montreal and four against Buffalo on Wednesday. He has been especially good on the power play, recording four assists. He's on pace for his best season in several years, but can the Hurricanes be the team to stop him?

2. Can the Canes Stop Crosby?

Sidney Crosby was the only Penguin to score a goal against the Hurricanes through two meetings last season. Pittsburgh scored nine goals in four games against the Canes. Crosby accounted for four of them and assisted on another three. While not off to as hot of a start as his teammate, Crosby is still doing great work at 37. Malkin's hot start has allowed some pressure to be taken off Crosby's shoulders, but he always seems to show up against the Hurricanes. 

3. State Fair Trip = Deja vu?

Last season's State Fair trip was very underwhelming. The Hurricanes went just 2-4-0, losing to the likes of Anaheim and Seattle and struggling against San Jose. The penalty kill was a mess. Neither Frederik Andersen nor Antti Raanta played very well. It didn't help that Sebastian Aho missed a little time. This first game will give us a glimpse into what we can expect from the Hurricanes on this trip. Friday also marks the first road game of the season, so there is a good deal of intrigue from that perspective as well.