RALEIGH, N.C. — Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrei Svechnikov each contributed a goal and two assists as the Carolina Hurricanes ended a three-game losing streak with a decisive 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night in a battle of division leaders.
Hurricanes Break Skid with Offensive Showcase
Carolina’s offense finally clicked, delivering a much-needed win against a tough opponent.
- Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrei Svechnikov led the Hurricanes with three points apiece.
- Jordan Martinook scored his 100th career goal, adding to Carolina’s offensive surge.
- Brandon Bus secured the win with 18 saves, improving his record to 12-1-1.
- The Hurricanes have held a multi-goal lead in the third period for five straight games.
Jackson Blake and Eric Robinson also found the back of the net during a dominant second period for the Hurricanes. Martinook, returning from a three-game injury absence, capped off the night with an empty-net goal with just 1:21 remaining in the game. Bus’s stellar performance in net was crucial, allowing the Hurricanes to regain their footing after a recent slump.
What’s the key to Carolina’s recent success? The Hurricanes’ ability to generate consistent offensive pressure, as evidenced by their 15-5 shot advantage in the first period, has been a major factor.
Michael Rasmussen and Andrew Copp scored for the Red Wings. Detroit’s John Gibson faced a barrage of shots, stopping 33 but ultimately suffering his first loss in nine December starts. Despite the loss, the Red Wings remain atop the Atlantic Division.
The Hurricanes have now held a multi-goal lead in the third period in five consecutive games, but had previously lost the prior three in those situations. Saturday’s win offered a welcome change to that trend.
Rasmussen’s goal ended a 13-game scoring drought, but Detroit struggled to maintain momentum, scoring only their 22nd first-period goal in 39 games this season. Blake and Robinson ignited Carolina’s second-period surge, scoring within 75 seconds of each other, followed by Gostisbehere’s goal to extend the lead.
The Red Wings managed to narrow the gap early in the third period with a power-play goal from Copp. However, Svechnikov responded with a goal of his own, solidifying the Hurricanes’ victory.
Up next, the Red Wings will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. The Hurricanes will welcome the New York Rangers on Monday.
