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The Carolina Hurricanes’ four-game winning streak came to an end last night, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Hurricanes found themselves down early off an unlucky bounce, as a puck hit Brett Pesce in the face and dropped down to Adam Henrique in the slot, who beat Pyotr Kochetkov. The Hurricanes responded under two minutes later though, as Brady Skjei took a pass from Jack Drury and beat John Gibson with a great shot, tying the game. However, later in the frame, the Ducks forced a rare turnover off Jaccob Salvin on the forecheck and Max Comtois capitalized, as Carolina trailed through 20 minutes.
Carolina had some great chances in the first half of the second frame, but just couldn't convert. However, midway through the period, Sebastian Aho managed to bury a rebound off a point shot to tie the game. Anaheim responded once again though, this time under a minute later, the Hurricanes were caught out of position and Mason McTavish fed Brett Leason with a nice pass, who put the Ducks back ahead again. Carolina did manage to respond for the third time later in the period though, as Jordan Staal tipped in Brent Burns’ point shot, tying things up before the second intermission.
The Hurricanes only managed seven shots in the final frame after a strong second period. However, Kochetkov made some big, late saves in-close and the Hurricanes got to overtime.
In the extra frame though, the Hurricanes were caught on a bad change and after a quick pass from Cam Fowler, Ryan Strome came in on a 2-on-1 to score, giving the Ducks the extra point.
The loss marks Carolina’s first defeat on their current road trip, after winning the first three games (and holding a four-game win streak overall heading into yesterday’s matchup).
It’s not like the Hurricanes didn’t have their chances either, firing 37 shots on goal. That said, some poor mistakes ending up costing them and John Gibson played well at the other end.
Speaking of goalies though, it’s telling that the Hurricanes went back to Kochetkov once again last night. At this point, he basically has the starting role, up until Frederik Andersen returns.
It’s still somewhat of a disappointing loss for the Hurricanes, losing their four-game winning streak against a team who was coming into the game having lost sixth straight. Looking bigger picture though, they still earned a point and have gone 3-0-1 through the first four games of their six-game road trip thus far.
They’ll now have a break until Saturday, when they face the New York Islanders.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Jordan Martinook scores hat trick, Canes down Blues for third straight win
Hurricanes beat Kings for fourth straight win 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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