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The Carolina Hurricanes extended their winning streak to six games last night, defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 and taking over top spot in the Metropolitan Division.
The Hurricanes got off to a great start and opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the game, causing a turnover on the forecheck and after a couple chances, Jesperi Kotkaniemi knocked in a rebound. New Jersey did end up getting some excellent chances on a power play after that but Kochetkov made a big pad save to keep Carolina ahead. The Devils did still go on to outshoot Carolina pretty badly through the period, but the Hurricanes kept the lead through 20 minutes.
It then looked like the Hurricanes had gone up 2-0 off a great play from Brent Burns to find Martin Necas, but it was quickly called back on an offside challenge. However, Carolina did manage to score for real only a few minutes later, as Jordan Staal came down on a rush and beat Vitek Vanecek with a perfect wrist shot, extending the lead. Then only shortly after, Teuvo Teravainen went in on another rush and beat Vanecek through a screen, making it a three-goal game. The Hurricanes did end up being outshot badly in the frame once again, but some great saves from Kochetkov kept Carolina’s three-goal lead intact.
The Devils brought in Mackenzie Blackwood in the third period, but Carolina didn’t test him much. The Hurricanes were outplayed in the final frame as well and the Devils did finally get on the board with under five minutes left, as Jack Hughes drove past Teuvo Teravainen and beat Kochetkov with a well-placed shot. However, Stefan Noesen then managed to back a shot off Blackwood and in, as Carolina secured a 4-1 win.
It’s another huge win for the Hurricanes against a top Metropolitan team, now sitting first in the division. Along with their six-game winning streak, the Hurricanes also managed to extend their point streak to 12 games.
The story of the game was obviously Pyotr Kochetkov though. The Hurricanes were outshot by a huge 38-20 margin in the game and Kochetkov faced a ton of high-danger chances, but was making all kinds of stops. This may have been his best game with the Hurricanes.
Carolina did get their opportunities within those 20 shots though, and for stretches of the first 40 minutes it seemed like most shots they did manage came off good chances. They were catching defenders out of position with fast breaks and generated offense off the rush.
This was still a game where the Hurricanes were outplayed. That said, given how many times we’ve seen the Hurricanes outplay their opponent only to come up short over the last year and a half or so, having one go the other way every once and a while is only fair.
Jordan Staal also continues to make a huge impact for the Hurricanes. He’s good enough defensively and in battles that he’s making a difference even when he’s not scoring, but five goals over his last nine games have been a huge help.
This also marked Seth Jarvis’ 100th NHL game. It’s easy to forget Jarvis is still just 20 years old, but based on the impact he’s already been providing, it’s a safe bet that the best is yet to come.
Regardless, the Hurricanes are on an absolute roll. Just look at the quality of competition over their last four wins (over just six days as well): the Seattle Kraken, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils all sit in the top-10 of the NHL standings in points percentage.
Then to end off with a fun moment, Kochetkov joined the post-game interview (knowing very little English) and it’s worth the watch:
The Hurricanes will be back in action on Thursday, as they face the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again, for the first half of a back-to-back set before the break.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Jordan Martinook scores hat trick, Canes down Blues for third straight win
Hurricanes beat Kings for fourth straight win
Hurricanes’ four-game winning streak snapped in overtime loss to Ducks
Hurricanes continue impressive road trip with shutout win over Islanders
Pyotr Kochetkov looks like Hurricanes' long-term solution in net
Hurricanes continue to build momentum following successful road trip
Hurricanes beat Penguins in key Metropolitan clash for fifth straight win 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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