By beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena, the Carolina Hurricanes outpaced their rivals at the top of the Metropolitan Division standings.
• Read also: The Ducks would part ways with Dave Nonis
The “Canes” have amassed 72 points in 49 games so far in 2021-2022. Heading into today’s clash, they tied with the ‘Pens’ on points. The team playing in Raleigh, however, played three games less than the Penguins.
Former Montreal Canadiens Jesperi Kotkaniemi opened the scoring in this duel. Well positioned in the slot, the Hurricanes forward beat goalkeeper Tristan Jarry with an excellent shot at the top of the net in the first period. It was KK’s 11th goal this season.
It was however a success of Sebastian Aho period that made the difference in this duel. Enjoying a power play with just over five minutes left in the game, the centerman fired a one-timer and the puck found its way into the back of the net.
That goal gave the Hurricanes a two-goal lead. The Penguins, however, came close to a single success with just over a minute to play in the final third. Evan Rodrigues hit the bull’s eye as his team evolved to six skaters.
Jesper Fast broke a 2-2 tie early in the third. With nine seconds remaining on the scoreboard, the 30-year-old veteran accepted a Nino Niederreiter relay and fired a shot that left the masked man from the Pennsylvania club no chance.
Funnily enough, Jordan Staal also scored just nine seconds into the second period to double the Hurricanes lead.
The Penguins’ other two goals came from Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby in the second period.
In front of the winners’ cage, Antti Raanta made 31 saves and thus signed his 100th career win in the National League. At the other end of the rink, Jarry saved 26 of the 30 pucks sent his way.
A scare for Brendan Smith
Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith suffered a terrifying injury in the first period. The 33-year-old crouched down to block a Danton Heinen shot, but the puck was taken directly to the head, immediately collapsing on the ice.
The Hurricanes confirmed after the duel that Smith had been transported to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for further testing. He is in stable condition and will even be able to travel with his teammates, the club have confirmed.
The “Canes” will return to action on Monday when they visit the Flyers in Philadelphia. For their part, the Penguins have an appointment with the New Jersey Devils Thursday, for a duel scheduled in Pittsburgh.