2024-25 Regular Season, Game 14 Preview: Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights

The Carolina Hurricanes saw their eight-game win streak snapped on Saturday night in Denver in a 6-4 loss to the Avalanche. The Canes jumped out to a 2-0 lead, getting goals from Jack Drury in the first period and Jordan Martinook in the second period. While the Avalanche had been kept quiet, a telegraphed pass from Shayne Gostisbehere sprung Cale Makar on a short-handed breakaway to get Colorado on the board. Sam Malinski netted a rebound shortly after to even things up, but Martin Necas extended his point streak with a power-play tally to restore the lead. Colorado went on a run to end the second period. Nathan MacKinnon broke through after a brilliant individual effort. Artturi Lehkonen redirected a shot from the point, which the Canes unsuccessfully challenged for goalie interference. During the subsequent power play, Mikko Rantanen completed the five-goal period with a lethal snipe. Martinook tried to kickstart the comeback with an early third-period goal, but Rantanen's second of the night into the empty net sealed the victory for Colorado. Spencer Martin, despite allowing five goals, played well in his season debut. Martinook finished the night with three points, while Necas and Jarvis added multi-point contests.

The Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights (9-3-2, 20 Points, 2nd in the Pacific Division)
The Stanley Cup defense didn't quite go as planned for the Vegas Golden Knights last season, largely because of forces outside of their control. Several of their top stars missed considerable time during the regular season, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the Pacific Division and a first-round exit in seven games against the Dallas Stars. Along with getting deadline acquisition Noah Hanifin locked up long-term, the Golden Knights focused on the trade market during the offseason. They traded Logan Thompson and Paul Cotter, getting some picks and players in return, and signed Ilya Samsonov to back up Adin Hill. The early return has been good for Vegas this season. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbashev have been tearing it up, combining for 59 points as a trio. The contributions have been coming from everyone, allowing them to get off to a strong start. 

Last Season's Meetings- The Hurricanes swept the reigning Stanley Cup champions last season, winning each meeting in a different fashion. They first met in Raleigh in mid-December, where the Hurricanes' offense came alive. Andrei Svechnikov and William Carrier traded goals in the first period before the Canes scored five unanswered goals in the second and third. Vegas got two late goals to make it look closer than it really was as the Canes won 6-3. Sebastian Aho and Michael Bunting recorded three points each. During the Canes' trip to Vegas in February, the Canes played from behind. Jonathan Marchessault opened the scoring in the first. Andrei Svechnikov evened the score early in the second period. Seth Jarvis broke the stalemate 19 seconds into the third period, scoring short-handed before Stefan Noesen added the dagger six minutes later for a 3-1 Hurricanes victory.

Stories of the Night
1. William Carrier Returns to Vegas
Monday will be a special night for William Carrier as he returns to Vegas for the first time since signing with the Hurricanes this offseason. Carrier was an original member of the Golden Knights, taking part in the first seven seasons in Vegas' history after being selected from the Sabres during the Expansion Draft. Carrier was never a major offensive threat, though he scored 16 goals two seasons ago. His presence was felt on the forecheck, a role that has continued with the Hurricanes. It will be cool to see the reception the Stanley Cup champion receives when he hits the ice tonight.

2. Stopping Vegas' Top Line
Mark Stone's status for tonight's game remains to be seen after missing the last game. He's listed as day-to-day, which means you'd be foolish not to prepare as if he'll be in the lineup. If he does play, it'll likely be next to Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev, the remaining two-thirds of the best line in hockey this season. While Vegas has gotten scoring from everyone, this trio has driven the bus. Like with the MacKinnon line against Colorado, this is the line that can hurt you the most, making them the top priority.

3. Starting a New Win Streak
Saturday's loss signaled the end of the Hurricanes' win streak. Now, they get to start a new one. Last season, they got the better of Vegas, but this team feels a little different than last year's Golden Knights. They've always been good on both sides of the puck. This season, their offense has looked much more lethal. The good news is Carolina's has, too. The Canes have scored at least four goals in each of their last eight games, winning all of them until losing in Colorado. Pyotr Kochetkov will be tasked with turning it around tonight. 

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