In there first game in almost a week, the Carolina Hurricanes fall to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime.
Entering their second meeting with the Columbus Blue Jackets on the young season, the Carolina Hurricanes were looking to get back into the win column after a disappointing California road trip. In a game where the Hurricanes held a 3-1 lead after the first period, they are only walking away with a single point. So what exactly what happened?
It only took 3:21 into the game before Blue Jackets rookie Alex Texier found the back of the net. Just 71 seconds later, the Hurricanes would tie the game up with a goal by none other than red hot Dougie Hamilton. At 11:43 of the first, Ryan Dzingel would finish a nice pass from Martin Necas to give the Canes a 2-1 lead.
Just 49 seconds later, Sebastian Aho scored for the first time against an opposing goaltender and it looked like the Hurricanes were in complete control of the game.
The second period, on the other hand, saw the Hurricanes struggle with turnovers and bad line changes. Just over midway through the second, Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray would find the back of the net cutting the Canes lead in half.
About five minutes later, Sonny Milano would even the score up at three a piece in what was a terrible period of hockey for Carolina. Being out shot 15-3 it was clear they needed to have some urgency in the third if they wanted to come away with the two points.
The third saw a better performance for the Hurricanes but once again their lack luster power play let them down. With two chances on the PP and a four on four for a full two minutes, the opportunities were there for the Canes to take over the game.
Going 0/3 on the man advantage it is clear that special teams continues to be a major concern for the team going forward if they want to be competitive come playoff time.
In overtime the Jackets controlled most of the play before Cam Atkinson‘s snap shot beat Petr Mrazek to finish off the come from behind victory. With only a single disappointing point in standings after the way they played in the first period there’s a lot of things for Brind’Amour and co. to work on going forward.