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The Carolina Hurricanes picked up a win in the second game of their homestand last night, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2.
Despite some great chances for Carolina in the first half of the opening frame, including a puck batted off the post by Jordan Martinook and a few good chances right in-close for Sebastian Aho, it was Pittsburgh who opened the scoring. Right around the midway mark of the frame, a shot/pass from Jake Guentzel found its way to Sidney Crosby, who buried the puck into the open net to put the Penguins ahead. Then on a late power play chance, Carolina gave up a shorthanded breakaway to Bryan Rust, who beat Antti Raanta but not the post, so it remained 1-0 Pittsburgh after 20 minutes.
In the second period though, Carolina kept pressing, and ended up outshooting Pittsburgh 11-5 in the frame. Then in the back half of the period, Sebastian Aho finished off a nice passing play to beat Tristan Jarry, and the game was tied.
In the third period, Carolina took a lead just after a power play expired, when Brent Burns put a shot through traffic that got through Jarry. Then a little later in the frame, it appeared as though Andrei Svechnikov had buried his first goal of the season, but it was called back after an offside challenge, keeping it a 2-1 game.
The Penguins took advantage, and only shortly after the Svechnikov goal was reversed, Sidney Crosby got another fortunate bounce at the side of the net, burying a loose puck that dropped down to him off an Erik Karlsson shot.
However, the Hurricanes bounced right back, and minutes later, Jaccob Slavin came down from the point to find Seth Jarvis for a tap-in with a nice pass, putting Carolina back ahead.
The Hurricanes held on from there, with Jarvis burying an empty netter later to secure a 4-2 win.
For a team that’s struggled with consistent performances this year, last night’s game was one where Carolina looked like they often have at their best, attacking with more speed and getting to the net for chances.
The win also possibly carries even more importance, given the opponent. The Hurricanes and Penguins were tied in record heading into the game (at 9-7-0), so while it's still very early, those four-point games even at this point in the year matter.
The top line of Teravainen-Aho-Jarvis did combine for three goals, but could’ve even had a few more, with both Aho and Jarvis getting some great chances in-close that they just couldn’t convert on. It was good to see Jarvis get going in particular, after going five games without a point.
Antti Raanta was also solid, stopping 26 shots in the win. It seems like I’ve commented on the Hurricanes' goaltending in most games, but the reality is it’s been a major topic this season and especially without Frederik Andersen, seeing some stability is key. But Raanta is beginning to establish that stability.
With the victory, the Hurricanes reached 10 wins on the year, now at a 10-7-0 record. With three more games to go on the homestand, they have an opportunity to keep climbing the standings, with their next game coming on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM NOVEMBER
- Hurricanes battle back to beat Islanders in OT, split two-game New York set
- Frederik Andersen out indefinitely, Hurricanes sign Jaroslav Halak to PTO
- Hurricanes continue upward trend with overtime win against Sabres
- Hurricanes' homestand an opportunity to continue gaining ground in East
- Hurricanes open homestand with loss to Flyers 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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