In-Game Notes: Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

Hurricanes' 5-0 loss to Devils shows impact of missing playoffs

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered what can best be described as a demoralizing 5-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday night.Both teams played a competitive first period which highlighted scoring...

In-Game Notes:

The Carolina Hurricanes have lost in their quest to make the NHL playoffs following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night at PNC Arena

The New Jersey Devils come to Raleigh looking to clinch a playoff spot on Saturdya and will take on the Hurricanes on the back end of their 16th and final back-to-back set of games for the season.

Brian Boucher gets the start in this one - his first since a 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Mar. 17.

1st period:

• Devils outshoot Hurricanes  17-7
• Carolina takes three minor penalties - two by Jeff Skinner and one by Jussi Jokinen
• New Jersey finishes the period scoring the first goal of the game with 21.5 seconds left to play as Skinner sits in the box
• After the goal, as a result of Skinner's first penalty, the young forward makes a few choice comments towards the official and gets another penalty before the end of the period
• During the period, the Devils' faceoff performance was key factor in oushooting the Hurricanes - particularly on their power play, winning all faceoffs with the man-advantage (5-5)

2nd period:

• New Jersey scores two more goals early in the period to take a 3-0 lead early on and add another one later - 4-0 for New Jersey as teams go to their dressing rooms
• Faceoffs are a big factor in setting up scoring play for New Jersey - Patrik Elias is a perfect 7-7 so far and was key in setting up the Devils fourth goal from Petr Sykora
• New Jersey continues to maintain effective puck possession and maintaining pace of play throughout the period
• Devils ousthooting Hurricanes 28-13 for the game - 11-6 for the period
• Hurricanes record when trailing after two periods - 3-18-2

3rd period:

•  New Jersey gets another goal to extend lead to 5-0 only 1:15 into the period
• Hurricanes continue to work in trying to break Martin Brodeur's shutout but can't beat the future Hall of Famer
• Carolina keeps play moving much better than during the second period and narrows the gaps in shots on
• However as the final horn sounds, Brodeur adds another shutout to his career record, New Jersey clinches a playoff spot while outhooting Carolina 31-22 and winning 5-0 

Final score: New Jersey 5, Carolina 0

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Carolina Hurricanes announce Fan Appreciation events

Contests, giveaways and lawn parties highlight final week of Hurricanes regular season

Don't miss your chance to get Jamie McBain's bobblehead - Chris Baird, Baird Photography

As the Carolina Hurricanes continue their hot play late in the season following a 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, fans should remember to mark their calendars and plan accordingly for the final home games of the season, March 30-April 5.

Earlier in the week, Jon Chase, Director of Community Relations for the Hurricanes announced the details of all events for the team's upcoming Fan Appreciation Week events to take place at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.

 ---

Friday, March 30

Hurricanes vs Winnipeg Jets at 7 p.m.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Night presented by Belk

Beginning at 5 p.m., fans can enjoy a front lawn party presented by Verizon Wireless, featuring live music, an inflatable obstacle course, a Hurricanes moon bounce, street hockey, the slap shot booth and food and beverage. 

In addition, the first 10,000 fans will receive a limited edition Jamie McBain bobblehead, the last in this year’s series sponsored by Compuware and 99.9 The Fan. 

The game is also the final Family Night at PNC Arena. Four-ticket packages will be available, starting at $39, and every Family Night features $1 hot dogs. 

In keeping with game-week pricing, the special Family Night ticket offers expire one week prior to the game.

Saturday, March 31

Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. 

All fans in attendance will receive a 2011-12 team poster, courtesy of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. 

Following the game, selected fans will be invited onto the ice to receive an authentic jersey directly from a Hurricanes player. 

Fans can enter contests to win a Justin Faulk jersey by visiting www.CarolinaHurricanes.com or a Tim Brent jersey by visiting the team’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hurricanes). 

Fans can also bid on Brandon Sutter’s jersey at the Kids ‘N Community Foundation kiosk located outside of section 129, or visit the promotions and fan development kiosk outside of section 108, to enter to win the jersey’s from Tuomo Ruutu or Brian Boucher. 

There will also be a front lawn party sponsored by Verizon Wireless prior to the game, and Hurricanes mascot Stormy will be celebrating his birthday with fellow mascots throughout the night.

Sunday, April 1

The Hurricanes will hold their first “Alumni Fantasy Game,” as locally-based alumni including Ron Francis, Rod Brind’Amour and Glen Wesley take to the ice at PNC Arena. 

Admission and parking to the event is free of charge to all fans. 

Doors open to all fans at 2 p.m. and seating will be general admission.

Thursday, April 5

Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens - 7 p.m.

This will be the final regular-season home game at PNC Arena this season. 

The first 14,000 fans through the doors will receive a limited edition Carolina Hurricanes hat, courtesy of Chevrolet. 

The game will again be preceded by a front lawn party, presented by Verizon Wireless, beginning at 5 p.m. 

Following the game, fans 18 and older will be invited to come onto the ice and take a shot from center ice, and all those participating will earn a chance to win pizza for a year from Papa John’s.

Prior to the final game of the season, the Hurricanes will also host a special contest, with the winner receiving 16 tickets to the game and the honor of sounding the Hurricane Warning Siren. 

In order to enter, fans need to submit an explanation of how they represent the pride, passion and community of the Carolina Hurricanes, and how they would use the 16 tickets to help pass it on. 

Submissions will be accepted from March 20-27, and a winner will be notified by March 28.

For more information, Fan Appreciation Week - carolinahurricanes.com/fanappreciation


Recent Carolina Hurricanes news on Examiner.com:

Staal, Pitkanen lead Hurricanes to 3-1 win over Panthers

 

The Carolina Hurricanes powered to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. on Wednesday.Captain Eric Staal scored two goals and defenseman Joni Pitkanen added another goal to lead the Hurricanes while..

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In-Game Notes: Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers

Staal, Pitkanen lead Hurricanes to 3-1 win over Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes powered to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. on Wednesday.Captain Eric Staal scored two goals and defenseman Joni Pitkanen added another goal to lead the Hurricanes while...

In-Game Notes:

The Carolina Hurricanes faceoff against the Florida Panthers at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. on Wednesday.

Both teams are undefeated - the Hurricanes in three games while the Panthers haven't lost in five games.

Carolina's still working hard to earn points and earning a few against Florida would be advantageous to keep fans in Raleigh excited and interested right up to the final game of the season.


1st period:

• Hurricanes and Panthers start out trying to establish puck control in the neutral zone
• Florida gets a faceoff in the Carolina end and the Hurricanes clear it out
• Eric Staal gains the zone and brings the puck deep into the corner to Florida goalie Jose Theodore's left and behind the net
• As Staal carrines the puck forward of the goal line to Theodore's right, he slides the puck towards the goal, it ricochets off the defenseman's skate and into the net - 1-0 Hurricanes at 0:46 into the period

 

Eric Staal scores the first goal of the game at 0:46 

• Play continues with the Hurricanes dominating possession and outshooting Florida 8-1 before taking a penalty
• Florida has the power play but can't convert and goalie Cam Ward gets some shots to stop in the meantime - Hurricanes still leading 1-0 with 8:55 to play
• Hurricanes still controlling the puck in the Panthers zone for most of the period so far as Florida looks sluggish playing in a back-to-back
• Drayson Bowman takes a boarding penalty at 3:16 and the Hurricanes are on the PK
• So far, Carolina's Pk is effective as Staal and Tlusty bring the puck up and get a SH shot on Theodore
• Jokinen and Tlusty plan a solid PK as both teams are at even-strength - still 1-0 for Carolina with 46.4 to go
• Hurricanes are outshooting Panthers 14-8 as the horn sounds to end the period

After 1st period: Carolina 1, Florida 0

2nd period:

• Florida gets the first shot on goal which Ward stops easily - faceoff coming to his right
• Hurricanes continue where they left off during the firs period with possession in the Florida zone for an extended period of time 
• Carolina still leading 1-0 with 13:47 to go
• LaRose-Staal-Tlusty doing the job in effectively forechecking but Florida clears the zone
• Hurricanes win the faceoff and Ruutu and Faulk work to get the puck back into the Panthers end with a shot on Theodore - now outshooting Florida 19-10
• DYK - Hurricanes are 14-5-7 when leading after the first while Florida is 7-15-6 when trailing after the first period of play
• Floridia trying to set up some offensive consistency as Ward has stopped three straight shots - Hurricanes will be on the PK as Tim Gleason goes to the box for hooking at 11:28 left in the period
• Tlusty-Staal first out on the PK - Florida misses wide on point shot on Ward
• Ward with big save on Marcel Goc and the Hurricanes send the puck down the ice
• Pat Dwyer and Brandon Sutter on the PK cause the turnover and Sutter tries the wrapround on Theodore - looks like it went in - under review
• After review -  no goal - still 1-0 at the 9:36 mark
• Ruttu and Skinner bring it up and Ruutu drops it for Pitkanen who slaps one home with 9:05 remaining - 2-0 Carolina
• Pitkanen scores his first goal in his first game back - first 30 minutes and 55 seconds
• Just as they announce Pitkanen's goal, Fleischmann scores on a rebound that banks off Pitkanen's skate - 2- 1 Hurricanes lead with 7:27 left in the period
• Ruutu gets a chance to give Carolina a two-goal lead again but stutters on his stride while Theodore is sprawling but Ruutu can't recover to get a shot on - faceoff coming up to Theodore's right
•  Strong period as play has picked up at both ends 
• Florida has narrowed the gap in shots trailing only 27-25 as he period is drawing to a close - Hurricanes still leading 2-1 with 7.1 seconds left
• Dwyer comes down the right wing a puts one last shot on Theodore before the period ends - Carolina outshooting Florida 28-25

 End of 2nd period: Carolina 2, Florida 1

3rd period:

•  Third period starts with Florida controlling play for the first two minutes in the Carolina end as Ward comes up with two pad saves
• Hurricanes manage to get it down to the Florida end and the Panthers are penalized as Carolina will go on the PP
• Hurricane's Tlusty takes a hooking penalty - both teams playing 4-on-4 - Carolina still lead 2-1 with 16:18 to play
• Skinner and LaRose gain the zone as Skinner carries it in 
• As puck gets hung up in slot area, Faulk skates in to join the effort as Skinner take a shot that lands in Theodore's trapper
• Faceoff coming up to his left 2-1 still with 13:52 left in the period
• Skinner working along the boards draws a Florida penalty for hooking on Jerred Smithson - Carolina on the PP
• It only takes Staal a little time to get a pass from Pitkanen to score on a stickless Theodore to put the Hurricanes up 3-1 - a PP goal at 8:14
• Shortly after Pitkanen goes to the box for delay of game - Carolina on the PK
• Florida gets a few opportunities to set up the offense but can't score on the man-advantage - Hurricanes kill off the penalty successfully
• With under 10 minutes to go, both teams continue to battle  from end to end
• Florida's shots from the point keep getting blocked and when they get through, Ward is there to stop them
• Skinner comes down the off-wing and let's a shot go but now before the Panthers' Jason Garrison slashes him
• Hurricanes go on the PP again
• Carolina with a great sequence as Skinner rings one off the post and then Brent's shot hits Theodore's pad
• Teams are back at even strength as Carolina still leads 3-1 with 4:46 remaining in the period
• Carolin continues to eat up valuable clock time with puck possession and playing deep in the Panthers' zone
• Skinner steals he puck, gains the zone but slips before taking a shot - Florida goes the other way with the puck
• As the puck slides in front of the Carolina bench, Skinner is hit hard by Scotty Upshall which cause LaRose to step in to help as Skinner and Upshall
• Both Skinner and Upshall go to the box
• With two minutes remaining Carolina holding Florida off
• Staal shoots but Theodore saves it and then as Skinner comes down on empty net, he misses
• Less than a minute to play 
• Jokinen tries to score but hits the post
• Staal then does score the ENG - but time ran out

 Final score: Carolina 3, Florida 1

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In-Game Notes: Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues

Ward reaches milestone with 2-0 shutout win over Blues

 

The Carolina Hurricanes won the third period and the game as they earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues at the team’s newly renamed facility, PNC Arena, in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday... 

 

More Carolina Hurricanes news from Examiner.com:

 

Hurricanes limp home with 4-2 loss to Rangers

 

The Carolina Hurricanes could only muster a few goals during a 4-2 loss to the NHL's Eastern Conference leaders, the New York Rangers, at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. on Tuesday night.The Hurricanes..

 

Theodore and Panthers shut out Hurricanes 2-0

 

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered their first loss in regulation during their current road trip as goaltender Jose Theodore’s 2-0 shutout performance denied them any opportunity to earn any points against the Florida Panthers at BankAtlantic Center in..

 

 

In-Game notes:

The Carolina Hurricanes return home to host the St. Louis Blues for the first time after finishing a recent five-game road trip.

The Hurricanes roll out the welcome mat for the Blues at the same time that they unveil their new, but same home ice surface, now known as PNC Arena.

The Blues come into Raleigh with 4-0-1 record in the last five games, including a 4-3 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks while Carolina tries to break a two-game losing streak after suffering a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday

1st period:

• Hurricanes start the game off with a strong first minute of play and test St. Louis goaltender Brian Elliott early on
• St. Louis gets Cam Ward warmed up as he has to make some big stops early on
• Carolina takes a penalty but the penalty-kill is working early on
• St. Louis gets a penalty of its own and we're playing four aside
• 0-0 with 12:52 to go
• Chad LaRose tries to get around Carlo Colaiacovo but as he does clips him with his stick - gets four minutes for high-sticking
• Ward makes a big pad save on Jamie Langenbrunner and the Hurricanes dump it down the ice
• St. Louis tries to gain the zone but the Carolina penalty-kill is working so far
• Patrick Berglund takes a shot  and then Colaiacovo lets one go as Ward turns away both - less than a minute remaining on LarRose's penalty
• Not long after LaRose's penalty ends, the Blues Scott Nichol takes a seat and the Hurricanes are on the PP with 5:19 left in the period
• Justin Faulk gets the first shot on Elliott on the PP but the Blues netminder comes up with a big pad save
• Second PP unit out for the Hurricanes now - The Finns and LaRose
• Jay Harrison takes a shot from the point which LaRose gets a stick on but the play is waived off as the whistle blows before the puck crosses over the goal line - 3:19 to go with no score still
• Hurricanes don't convert on the PP opportunity - currently being outshot 12-11 by the Blues with under two minutes to play
• Some big hits being handed out by Bryan Allen in the Carolina zone
• Play continues into the neutral zone  and the horn sounds to end the period

At the end of the period - no score with St. Louis outshooting Carolina 13-12.

2nd period:

•  Second period starts with a lot of bumping and grinding as the Hurricanes try to slow the Blues break out
• Hurricanes getting their chances to score on Elliott but can't finish as Nodl gets a great opportunity to open the game's scoring
• Jeff Skinner cant' get open and is elbowed around the head area by Rowan Polak - no penalty called on the play
• St. Louis gets a chance but the puck deflects off the post to Ward's left - still 0-0
• Play continues to be very chippy as neither team is establishing any clear offensive chances
• Hurricanes miss another opportunity as they have the Blues scrambling around their goal area
• Ward comes up big with another save as Bryan Allen ties his man up in front of the net
• Still scoreless with 6:26 left in the period
• Hurricanes try another trap tactic by not pursuing behind the net and St. Louis obliges by not moving the puck - stalemate hockey at its best
• Chippy play continues with no calls on either side - a real battle tonight
• Both sides looking tired after fighting with the puck in the neutral zone
• Ward comes up with  big glove save as the score is still 0-0 with 2:56 to play
• With under a minute Jeff Skinner gets hit from behind and then gets knocked down with a high hit in open ice - no call but no one from Carolina enforcing it
• Hurricanes get penalties on the play  afterwards though
• Byran Allen sends a 'message' body check to TJ Oshie in open ice  with a few more penalties handed out

At the end of two periods, score still 0-0 

3rd period:

•  Both teams with players still in the penalty box playing 4-on-4 to start period
• Carolina killing rest of Staal's penalties as St. Louis trying to set up on PP
• Big block by Andreas Nodl on point shot w/ less than 30 seconds left to kill penalty
• Ward doing what he needs to do - stop the puck
• Penalty killed off successfully
• Jeff Skinner gets hit up high again and this time St. Louis is called for interference
• Carolina gets its best opportunity of the game to take the lead
• No go on the last penalty and Drayson Bowman takes a shot coming down the wing and is elbowed while doing so
• Another PP for the Hurricanes to try to break the scoreless tie
• Elliott continues to deny the Hurricanes any chances of scoring - four straight saves on the first round of the PP
• Carolina riding the momentum it has generated and working much harder
• Pat Dwyer with the breakaway and he beats Elliott but hits the crossbar and it bounces out 
• Still 0-0 with 8:13 remaining as both teams recharge during media timeout
• Play comes down around the Blues net and Chad LaRose comes around with a bouncing puck that ricochets off a Blue defenseman and over Elliott's shoulder - 1-0 Hurricanes at 12:08 in the period
• As play continues after the play, Roman Polak takes another shot at Skinner from behind with no call following 
• St. Louis trying hard to even the score and keeping Ward busy
• Jeff Skinner gets a great pass to score streaking down on Elliott's right but he slows up and take a shot before being ridden out along the boards behind the net by Polak
• As the Hurricanes pick the puck up in the neutral zone, Staal carries it in and passes Jokinen whose one-time hits Elliott's pads - Carolina still leads 1-0 with 4:36 to play
•  Skinner brings it in one more time down the wing and looks to pass it to Ruutu 
• As the puck gets tied up in his skates while two Blue defenders slide by, he kicks it forward and beats Elliott - 2-0 Carolina with 2:28 remaining
• St. Louis still fighting to score on Ward but he will have nothing to do with it - still 2-0
• With less than a minute to play Kevin Shattenkirk gets a high-sticking double-minor 
• As time runs down, Hurricanes win in their new arena

Final score - Carolina 2, St. Louis 0

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The NHL's March Madness: Under the radar?

Carolina Hurricanes still scrapping for respect near end of season - Chris Baird, Baird Phototgraphy

Carolina Hurricanes and NHL hockey fans, have you caught the 'madness' yet?

There is a lot going on including a resurgence by many teams, including Carolina, in the lower echelons of the standings, who are making some big ripples in the 'frozen pond'.

Are you paying attention or are you getting too distracted with information overload?

As the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championship Tournament fields will be selected on Sunday and Monday, and with the NHL's schedule entering the 'home stretch' for many teams vying for a playoff spot, how can you keep track of it all?

Load up on your phone apps - great ones are out there to keep track of it all.

At least, that's one way to do it and it DOES work.

Otherwise, keep in touch and read the your NCAA summaries here and follow along with the Carolina Hockey Network for the next three weeks as March Madness on the hardwood and ice converge in the Triangle.

Enjoy!


Recent Carolina Hurricanes news from Examiner.com:

Skinner leads Carolina past Tampa Bay in 4-2 win

 

The Carolina Hurricanes, led by forward Jeff Skinner, beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 at Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday night.Skinner’s two goals along with singles from Jaroslav Spacek and Chad LaRose..

 

Ward faces another barrage of shots in 3-2 OT loss to Buffalo

 

The Carolina Hurricanes earned their third point in two road games after losing 3-2 in overtime to the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y. on Wednesday night.“Three (points) out of four, these two...

 

Faulk scores OT winner as Carolina beats Washington 4-3

 

The Carolina Hurricanes won in overtime as defenseman Justin Faulk scored at 3:38 into the extra period to beat the Washington Capitals, 4-3, at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night.The rookie defenseman

 

 

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Carolina Hurricanes: Month in review

Eric Staal looks to extend point streak on the road - Mitchell Layton, Getty Images

February was the best month of the season for the Carolina Hurricanes as they finished 6-1-4 and earned 16 points for their efforts.

After a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday that was preceded by a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers, the Hurricanes embark on a five-game road trip that begins in Washington on Tuesday.

After that, Carolina's eight-day road trip will take them to Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Florida and to the Big Apple before returning home to host St. Louis on Mar. 15.

Latest Carolina Hurricanes news from Examiner.com:

Hurricanes suffer 4-3 OT loss to Lightning

 

The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t hold onto the lead headed into the third period and eventually lost 4-3 in overtime to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday night.Steven Stamkos..

 

Hurricanes’ Allen scores winner in 4-3 victory over Predators

 

The Carolina Hurricanes managed to put together a gritty 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday night.One day after the NHL trade deadline had passed with the Hurricanes not..

 

Hurricanes’ Rutherford says: 'No trades'

 

As the National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline had come and passed on Monday afternoon, during a 3 p.m. press conference held at the RBC Center in Raleigh N.C., Carolina Hurricanes President and General Manager Jim Rutherford announced..

 

Hurricanes earn point, lose 3-2 in SO to Ducks

 

The Carolina Hurricanes lost 3-2 to the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday.Jerome Samson and Jamie McBain tallied the Hurricanes’ only goals of the night while goaltender Justin..

 

Peters leads Hurricanes over Capitals with 5-0 shutout

 

Goaltender Justin Peters made 17 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Washington Capitals 5-0 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Monday night.In leading the Hurricanes in net, Peters was supported by an outpouring of..

 

Tavares scores winner as Hurricanes fall to Islanders 4-3

 

The Carolina Hurricanes could not contain New York Islanders forward John Tavares during a 4-3 losing effort at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. on Saturday night.Tavares scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner just 38 seconds..

 

Hurricanes keep Sharks in the tank with 3-2 win

 

Coach Kirk Muller used some creativity in utilizing his lineup as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the visiting San Jose Sharks 3-2 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Friday night.With forwards Tuomo Ruutu and Chad LaRose..

 

Staal shows up in Carolina’s 5-3 win over Montreal

 

The Carolina Hurricanes finished their recent road trip with an impressive 5-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec on Monday night.As many  heralded the win as coach Kirk Muller’s..

 

Avalanche bury Hurricanes 4-3 in OT

 

The Carolina Hurricanes fell short during their second overtime game in a row as they lost 4-3 to the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. on Friday night.Though earning another point during a hard fought..

 

Hurricanes suffer 3-2 OT loss to Ducks

 

The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t hold on to the lead against the host Anaheim Ducks and could only take away a point during a 3-2 overtime loss at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on Wednesday night.Tuomo...

 

Hurricanes payroll numbers are on the mark

 

It seems that the future looks brighter for the Carolina Hurricanes these days coming off a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, .However, the Hurricanes’ current record (20-25-9) doesn’t convince..

 

Skinner scores winner in Hurricanes 2-1 win over Kings

 

The Carolina Hurricanes came back to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in front of a crowd of 18,680 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday night.Jiri Tlusty and Jeff Skinner provided the offense..

 

Hurricanes sweep series over Bruins with 3-0 win

 

The Carolina Hurricanes shut out the Boston Bruins with a 3-0 performance against the defending Stanley Cup champions at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. on Thursday night.Cam Ward recorded his third shutout of the season, his second in..

 

Hurricanes chase Islanders in 5-2 loss at home

 

The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t catch up and suffered a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday night.After taking a well-deserved rest during the recent NHL...

 

 

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In-Game Notes: Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators

 Hurricanes’ Allen scores winner in 4-3 victory over Predators

 

The Carolina Hurricanes managed to put together a gritty 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday night.One day after the NHL trade deadline had passed with the Hurricanes not...

In-Game notes, video, photos:

One day after the NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, an inactive and active player in the sweepstakes meet as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Nashville Predators at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday night.

The Hurricanes stood pat on Trade Deadline Day while the Predators made some significant moves as they picked up Andrei Kostitsyn from Montreal and Paul Gaustad from Buffalo.

Kostitsyn will be in the lineup at the RBC Center on Tuesday night, but Gaustad will not as a scratch.

Puck drops in 5 minutes.

1st period:

 

Opening faceoff - Carolina vs Nashville - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

• Bowman-Sutter-Nodl start for Carolins and get a good shift in
• Tlusty-Staal-Samson get another shift in as play moves back and forth
• Emergency call-up Zach Boychuk starts on a line with Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen
• Just 2:42 in Nashville's Craig Smith scores on a goalmouth scramble after Matt Halischuk shoveled a pass through the crease in front of Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward
• Nashville leads 1-0 with 14:31 to play
• Predators outscoring Carolina 4-1 but the Hurricanes are making a surge
• Nashville goaltender Anders Lindback being kept busy by Tlusty-Staal-Samson who pepper him with shots to tie up both teams' shot attempts at 4-4 with 12 minutes to play
• Fourth line work by Derek Joslin-Tim Brent-Anthony Stewart work another shot on goal
• Predators' Jack Hillen takes a penalty at 10:44 and the Hurricanes have their first PP of the game
• Hurricanes try to work a pass to Justin Faulk on the PP - he's been dangerous on the off-wing lately there
• Hurricanes have had to regroup in gaining the zone a few times on the PP as Nashville has dumped the puck down the ice numerous times
• Carolina goes 0-1 on the PP so far tonight - Predators still lead 1-0 with 8:27 to go
• Shots tied at 6-6- for both teams as Nashville starts to establish some offensive pressure in the Carolina zone
• Big bodies on the Predators defense keeping the Hurricanes forwards busy
• Samson manages to tip a shot that Lindback has to be sure to contain for a faceoff to his right with 5:47 left in the period
• Boychuk getting some regular ice time and manages to get a shot on during his shift with Skinner and Jokinen

Boychuk-Skinner-Jokinen set up in neutral zone - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting

• Hurricanes now have outshot the Predators 9-7 but still trail 1-0 and trying to crack Lindback
• Ward is still being kept busy as he makes a save that deflects the puck into the stand with 3:21 remaining
• Next shift has Skinner letting a big shot on Lindback that gets turned away as Bowman-Sutter-Nodl come on to continue to apply the offensive pressure in the Nashville zone
• Just over minute to play as Tlusty-Staal-Samson force the Predators to ice the puck
• Faceoff to Lindback's left with 1:23 to go
• Predators clear the puck and head into the Carolina zone but Faulk is there to clear it up ice
• Nashville's David Legwand takes a high-sticking penalty on Faulk and the Hurricanes are on the PP at 19:00 - second opportunity for the Hurricanes this period
• Staal tries to feed Faulk but he fans on the shot
• McBain has two different attempts to beat the keeper but can't finish either - he passes it to Staal who bobbles it as the period ends
• At the end of the first period, Nashville still leads 1-0 but not to lack of effort on the Hurricanes' part as they outshoot the Predators 13-8

2nd period:

•  Hurricanes start the period on the PP still - try to set something up with Faulk at the point but the Predators clear it out
• Nashville takes another penalty and will extend Carolina's man-advantage to two men
• Colin Wilson takes a penalty and off the ensuing faceoff McBain tees one up but Lindback comes up with a big pad save
• With another set-up McBain lets another shot go but this time Lindback grabs the puck with his trapper
• Another line for the Hurricanes get a try on on the PP as Samson-Skinner-Brent have a go at it and get  a few shots on
• Nashville however did get an odd-man rush down but with no consequence to Carolina
• PP established again in the Nashville zone as Tlusty-Samson-Boychuk out there as the penalty expires
• Both teams at even-strength as Predators still lead 1-0 with 16:24 to go
• As play continues on from end to end, Hurricanes continue to pressure Nashville
• With the fourth line of Joslin-Brent-Stewart on, Stewart drops a pass to McBain who finally scores his 7th of the season on a shot from the point that finds space between Lindback's pads
• Tie game 1-1 with 13:43 remaining in the period
• Approaching the eight-minute mark, the Hurricanes continue to keep the pressure on the Predators' Lindback with another shot on goal as Carolina outshooting the Predators 8-0 in the period so far
• With under 10 minutes to play the score is still tied 1-1 and Nashville can't seem to establish any offensive rhythm to keep the puck in the Hurricanes zone
• After some grinding in the Hurricanes zone, Nashville's Jordin Tootoo and Colin Wilson turning the puck over behind the net
• As McBain turns to head up-ice, Wilson picks the puck away from him and gets a shot on Ward and is unchallenged on the rebound
• Wilson scores unassisted on the backhand shot that beats Ward over his left shoulder - Nashville leads 2-1 with 7:29 to play
• Penalty call on Nashvilles Andrei Kostitsyn puts Carolina on the PP again
• It takes Staal only a matter of seconds to connect on the man-advantage with assists going to Skinner and Jokinen - Staal cleans up on Skinner's wrap attempt that didn't quite make it through Lindback's pads
• Tie game 2-2 with 6:56 left in the period as Staal tallies his 19th goal of the season
• Some shaky defensive play as Jay Harrison fans on a clearing attempt near the Carolina blue line, but he manages to move it ahead
• Predators trying to take advantage of the few opportunities they have set up in the Carolina zone but to no avail as the Hurricanes turn the play up-ice

 

Second period action - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

• Samson breaks in-between Shea Weber and Ryan Suter to try to get an open look on Lindback before being hooked by Weber
• Hurricanes are on the PP once more and it doesn't take long as Time Brent from Skinner and Jokinen comes up with arms raised on the crease scramble that resulted in the puck entering the net
• Play is 'under review' - it is ruled a goal - Carolina leads 3-2 with 2:36 to go in the period
• After the ensuing faceoff, Nashville established puck control in the Carolina zone and get a few chances to tie it
• Hurricanes' Bryan Allen takes a slashing penalty with 39 seconds left in the period
• Nashville tries to score on their first PP of the game but can't as time winds down as the second intermission begins
• After two periods of play, Carolina now leads 3-2 and are outshooting Nashvile 26-13 for the game so far

3rd period:

• The Predators put on the pressure and manage to get two shots off on Ward during the remainder of their PP but can't convert on anything
• As Allen comes out of the box after serving his penalty, Eric Staal clears the puck out of the Carolina zone and both he and the puck meet at center ice
• Allen storms in on Lindback and scores his first goal of the season to put Carolina ahead 4-2at 1:28 into the period
• Nashville gets the puck back into the Hurricanes end and score once again on a scrambled play in front of Ward's crease as Gabriel Bourque got two cracks at putting the puck in the net less than a minute later at 2:18
• With a 4-3 lead, Carolina's Sutter has a two-on-one rush with Samson but they can't convert on the feed to each other on the crease - 15:40 to play in the period
• Nashville starting to take more direct shots at Ward as he has to be sharper on point shots coming at him while the defense is still allowing shots from the middle to low slot area - big save by Ward on a pinching Ryan Suter with 14:09 left 
• Suter gains the zone for Nashville and sets one up to Weber who unleashes his 100+ MPH shot that Ward gathers into his pads - Hurricanes still leading 4-3 with 13:27 to play
• Carolina coach Kirk Muller puts out the line of Joslin-Sutter-Stewart to take some physical pressure off his top lines and they get the job done for 45 seconds
• Muller continues to juggle lines as Tlusty-Staal_Nodl come out to take a shift
• Even with the regular line change Nashville is still managing to get shots on net and keeping Ward busy
• The Predators Patric Hornqvist takes his team's 25th shot of the game at Ward while lunging at him afterward
• Following the crease scuffle, play resumes and shortly after Nashville's Mike Fisher takes a hooking penalty to give the Hurricanes another PP at 8:50
• With the PP Stewart and Boychuk get some ice time with Tlusty and manage to get a shot on Lindback from the point
• Hurricanes don't score on that man-advantage but burn valuable minutes in the Nashville zone as they still lead 4-3 with under eight minutes to play in the period
• Carolina getting more aggressive on the forecheck but Nashville still getting the puck into the Hurricanes zone with shots on Ward from the point
• Carolina returns the favor as Sutter fires a high one towards Lindback at the other end
• Sergei Kostitsyn gains he zone and tries to stick handle through the defense before letting go a weak backhand shot on Ward - Hurricanes still leading 4-3 and outshooting Nashville 32-27 with 5:47 to play
• Nashville continuing to move the puck around better this period but can't manage to keep from icing the puck and getting resultant faceoffs in their end
• Carolina working hard to clear the puck down ice quickly and often with 4:21 remaining
• Hurricanes' defensive play in front of Ward is still shaky as stick checks narrowly break up potential game-tying set-ups by Nashville
•  Good old dump n' chase hockey is Carolina's style right now in holding onto the lead - 4-3 with 2;13 to play
• Puck in Nashville zone now as Staal-Tlusty-Nodl play chase
• Nashville gets a big point shot away on Ward as he has to make a big save to keep the lead at the 1:22 mark
• Predators with the extra skater on the ice as faceoff is deep in Carolina zone
• Hurricanes manage to clear it down once and after the following ensuing faceoff
• Lindback is back in the net as the faceoff moves to neutral ice and then he heads to the bench
• Carolina pressuring the puck as Staal feeds it to Brent in the neural zone - he misses the empty net
• Hurricanes holding on and win 4-3 - outshooting Nashville 33-29
• Carolina wins it 4-3 on Allen's breakaway goal

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