PITTSBURGH – In a decisive showing on Friday night, the Carolina Hurricanes triumphed over the Pittsburgh Penguins with a score of 4-1, thanks in part to Martin Necas, who contributed both a goal and an assist to the team’s efforts.
Jackson Blake, a rookie at just 21, evened the score at 1-1 with just 6:36 remaining in the first period, netting his second goal in the NHL. This sparked a remarkable run for Carolina, who subsequently scored three more unanswered goals. In the second period, Necas and Shayne Gostisbehere found the back of the net on the power play, while Jack Roslovic capped off the scoring in the third period.
Frederik Andersen was solid in goal for the Hurricanes, turning aside 26 shots. Jesperi Kotkaniemi also shined by providing two assists during the match.
Drew O’Connor was the lone scorer for the Penguins, marking his third goal in six games with a quick score at 12:20 of the first period; however, his team’s lead was a fleeting one. Meanwhile, Joel Blomqvist, who recorded 34 saves in goal for Pittsburgh, faced a challenging night as well.
TAKEAWAYS
For the Hurricanes, the defense proved to be exemplary, stifling the Penguins and giving little room for maneuver when Pittsburgh had the puck. Notably, star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were kept without a single shot on goal.
On the Penguins’ side, Blomqvist faced his first challenge of allowing more than three goals in a game; he has appeared four times in six games this season, including three starts. Regular goaltender Tristan Jarry has had a rough start with a 5.47 goals-against average and an .836 save percentage in his three games.
KEY MOMENT
Carolina capitalized on a four-minute power play that resulted from Andrei Svechnikov being high-sticked by Michael Bunting with 3:56 left in the second period. Holding a 2-1 lead, Gostisbehere scored with a powerful one-timer from the point, marking his second consecutive game with a goal and extending the advantage for the Hurricanes.
KEY STAT
Through the first two periods, Carolina dominated with a 24-10 shot advantage, maintaining an impressive defensive record by allowing no more than 27 shots on goal across three games this season. In stark contrast, the Penguins had an overwhelming 43 shots against the Sabres just a few days prior.
UP NEXT
The Hurricanes are set to face the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, completing a back-to-back set of games. Meanwhile, the Penguins will be heading to Winnipeg on Sunday, where they will commence a four-game road trip through Western Canada.