"We're Juused to it": 2024-25 Regular Season, Game 71: Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators

The group is back in Raleigh to begin the final homestand of the season against the Nashville Predators. However you want to look at it, the Canes are on a roll. They've won nine of their last ten and ten of 12 since late February to open up a nice lead over the Devils. On the other side, the Predators are third from the bottom in the league during what can only be described as a miserable season. Nothing has gone right for them as they try to sweep the season series with Carolina in the Canes' barn.

Scoring Summary

1st Period

NSH (5:14)- Michael Bunting (16) (Kieffer Bellows (1) & Brady Skjei (17))

2nd Period

NSH (4:01)- Luke Evangelista (8) (Filip Forsberg (38) & Michael Del Gaizo (6))

CAR (6:02)- Taylor Hall (16) PP (Seth Jarvis (27) & Shayne Gostisbehere (33))

3rd Period

NSH (12:48)- Luke Evangelista (9) (Michael Del Gaizo (7) & Ryan O'Reilly (27))

My Thoughts

I was fully prepared to talk about how Juuse Saros is a dominant force in Raleigh that is stronger than any Hurricane in history. However, further investigation into his numbers as a visitor indicates that his record is actually very bad. Tonight's win is just his second in Raleigh. Of course, his other win was his 64-save effort a few seasons ago. His overall numbers are very good. With his 34-save effort tonight, Saros' career save percentage in Raleigh is .932 with a 2.69 GAA. Tonight, Saros was phenomenal. The Canes should've scored several more goals tonight, but the Nashville netminder was on his game. Sometimes, you have to just throw your hands up and acknowledge that the goalie stole one.

The Canes played an overall solid game, especially in the offensive end. It wasn't for a lack of chances because they had tons. Logan Stankoven had another excellent game. Rod Brind'Amour thought Jackson Blake might've been the group's best player. His five shots led the team as the top line combined for 12 in the game. Seth Jarvis earned his 200th NHL point by assisting on Taylor Hall's power-play goal in the second period. Hall has been on an incredible roll over the last few weeks, adding a fourth goal in two games. With his goal coming on the power play, they've now converted in back-to-back games. His line with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic continues to cook. 

The real difference in the game was the goalie battle. Pyotr Kochetkov hasn't been great in his last two starts. The first goal falls on him after he failed to locate a loose puck in the crease, allowing Michael Bunting to score on the power play early in the first period. He was completely undressed by Luke Evangelista on a breakaway in the second, looking lost when he moved the puck to his forehand after faking to his backhand. It didn't help that Tyson Jost hit the crossbar right before it to prevent the Canes from getting on the board. Evangelista's redirected goal was the dagger, coming at a point when the group was unable to generate the necessary pressure against Saros. This feels like a minor setback after he'd been so good for the last few weeks. 

Ultimately, I wouldn't read too much into tonight's result. The Canes were coming home from three games in four days on the other side of the country without much downtime before getting back on the ice. The group has two days before the Canadiens visit. If it continues again on Friday night in Raleighwood, then my concern might grow a little. All of the pieces were there tonight for a good game. It was a great effort from the opposing goalie that prevented the offense from grooving. If they'd looked completely lost tonight, I probably wouldn't be this calm. They've played well enough as a group lately for me to be less overreactive to a loss to a team they really should've beaten.

#RaiseUp First Star of the Game- Taylor Hall

His hat trick should've been enough to be the first star on Sunday, but Frederik Andersen stole the spotlight. That's why I'm happy he scored again tonight, so I can talk about how great he's been as a Hurricane. Hall is on a run that is vaguely reminiscent of Jake Guentzel's stint last season. He's making all of the plays to put himself and his linemates in a great spot. Last season, it was Guentzel with Aho and Jarvis. This time, it's Kotkaniemi and Roslovic who are benefiting. Hall now has nine points in seven games, bringing him to seven goals and 12 points in 21 games.

Checking In on the Playoff Picture

New Jersey (9 Points Ahead for 2nd)- The Devils conceded a late goal to the Canucks on Monday night before losing in a shootout, leaving a point on the table. They'll face an easier test in Chicago on Wednesday, but a tough back-to-back in Winnipeg and Minnesota looms this weekend.

New York (I) (7 Points Behind NJ for 3rd)- Like the Devils, the Islanders left a point on the board, losing to the Blue Jackets 4-3 in a shootout, though a questionable goalie interference call took the potential game-winner away. They host Vancouver on Wednesday before a weekend back-to-back, which brings them to Raleigh on Sunday evening.

New York (R) (7 Points Behind NJ for 3rd)- The Rangers are on the west coast tonight, beginning their road trip against the Kings. The game is currently in a scoreless tie after 20 minutes, so there is plenty of time left for the game to swing one way or the other as they try to jump the Habs and the Islanders.

Columbus (8 Points Behind NJ for 3rd)- The Blue Jackets were the benefactors of the controversial call on Long Island, earning the second point in a shootout win. They don't play again until Friday, when they'll begin a back-to-back at home against Vancouver before a big game with the Senators in Ottawa on Sunday.

The Road Ahead- The homestand continues Friday night when the Canes host the Canadiens. They'll be playing the second half of a back-to-back after facing the Flyers on Thursday. The Canes will host the Islanders on Sunday before concluding their homestand against the Capitals next Wednesday night.