Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who has been having a tough time for several months, finally found his way to the goal during the Carolina Hurricanes’ 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
At the very start of the third period, the former Montreal Canadiens forward took a shot from an almost impossible angle. The puck managed to make its way to the back of the net, after first hitting the post.
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This success was his first since February 19 and his second in his last 31 matches.
Moreover, the Finn played alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov, acquired Friday by the Hurricanes, and Jesper Fast on his team’s fourth trio.
Martin Necas opened the scoring in the first period, while Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen scored into empty nets. Nico Hischier and Timo Meier provided replies for the Devils, who have now lost four of their last five meetings.
The team coached by Travis Green is six points behind the last place giving access to the playoffs in the Eastern Association. The Hurricanes, for their part, are second in the Metropolitan section.