Carolina Hurricanes: Takeaways from Strong Win in Nashville

Last night, Steven Lorentz‘s game-winning goal propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to their third win in a row, this time over the Nashville Predators. The Canes will have a much-needed day off today before they settle in at home for the next 4 games.

Last night’s game was eventful in many different ways, but there were a few things from my pre-game keys article that ended up coming to fruition, most notably the Canes’ recent lack of ability to play a full 60 minutes.

For awhile there in the 3rd period, the Carolina Hurricanes looked like they were going to fall apart yet again in the waning minutes of the game. They almost did, allowing the Predators to come within a single goal of tying the game before Sebastian Aho hammered the final nail into the coffin with the empty-netter in the last couple minutes of the 3rd period.

On a much, much brighter side, though, Steven Lorentz scored his first goal in the NHL, and the entire Carolina Hurricanes fanbase collectively lost their minds.

Lorentz has quickly become a fan favorite in Raleigh. You couldn’t meet a nicer, more deserving hockey player; Lorentz is not only wholesome, but always wears an incredibly infectious smile. He’s just an all-around good hockey player to boot. For me, though, the real highlight in last night’s game was Lorentz’s first NHL goal and the subsequent post-game interview.

Lorentz’s first goal in the NHL would go on to be the game-winner in last night’s tilt, and James Reimer jokingly stated that “it was all part of the plan” to let a couple in to allow Lorentz’s first NHL goal to be the game-winner.

In any case, the Carolina Hurricanes head back home to Raleigh riding a 3-game winning streak and with yet another two points in their pocket, this time courtesy of the Nashville Predators.

Hopefully they can continue this winning streak and treat the first fans to physically attend a game at the PNC Arena in nearly a year to some electrifying matchups over the course of the next week or so.