The beauty of games like Tuesday's in Columbus is that there's always a chance to turn things around. For the Carolina Hurricanes, that chance comes just 24 hours later against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canes fell behind early on a pair of power-play goals by the Blue Jackets, and they never recovered, losing 5-1 for the first regulation loss to a division opponent since December 30th.
The loss gave us our first look at Nicolas Deslauriers as a Carolina Hurricane, dropping the gloves and laying six hits in his debut. Andrei Svechnikov provided the only marker for the team in the second period, with Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander Nikishin supporting him. Brandon Bussi lost his third straight start, but it's a play behind the net that had everyone talking during and after the game.
On the Other Side: Pittsburgh Penguins
Last meeting: We don't have to go far to find the last clash, with the Canes hosting the Penguins last Tuesday night. The Penguins led 2-1 after 40 minutes, but a surge in the third put the Canes up 4-2. Bryan Rust helped orchestrate the comeback effort, contributing to both goals late in the third and forcing overtime. After the Canes killed an overtime penalty, they prevailed in a shootout, winning 5-4.
While the lead in the Metropolitan Division might feel like a little cushion, the Penguins continue to linger in the background, sitting seven points behind the Hurricanes heading into tonight's contest. It's the final stop for the Penguins on their five-game road trip, which began in Raleigh last Tuesday with their shootout loss.
The Penguins recovered from a 6-2 loss in Vegas on Thursday by finishing their Western swing with a tight victory in Utah on Saturday and a one-sided drumming of the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Monday. Entering this matchup, the Penguins are 2-1-1 on their trip, staring at a chance to finish with as many as seven of a possible ten points.
The group got a massive boost in Colorado when Evgeni Malkin returned to the lineup, following his five-game suspension. He scored two goals and added an assist in a 7-2 win, bringing a critical piece of the puzzle back onto the ice. They're still without captain Sidney Crosby right now, though I'm curious whether he'll be available when these two sides meet again on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Penguins to Watch
Elmer Soderblom: Despite missing the scoresheet in Raleigh, Soderblom was incredibly noticeable throughout the contest, and I'm not just saying that because he's 6'8". Soderblom finished the night with four shots, but no goals. He'd been shut out on the road trip until recording a goal and an assist in Colorado, marking his first goal and points as a Penguin.
Ben Kindel: During a season with several worthy rookies for the Calder Trophy, Kindel's name has largely flown under the radar. The 18-year-old has earned his chance and run with it. Kindel is fourth among all rookies in goals (16) and seventh in scoring (31). He's unlikely to be among the finalists for the Calder this season, but the future is looking very bright for Kindel in Pittsburgh.
Hurricanes to Watch
Seth Jarvis: Tuesday night was not a good night for Jarvis. Over the last two games, Jarvis has amassed 15 penalty minutes, fighting in Tampa Bay before taking two double-minors for high-sticking in Columbus. The Blue Jackets scored just once, but it allowed them to take an early lead. Knowing how hard he is on himself, I'm expecting a big game for Jarvis.
Frederik Andersen: With Bussi taking the loss on Tuesday, it's almost a near certainty that Andersen will be in the net against the Penguins. As Bussi continues to struggle, the door is now wide open for Andersen to bust through and reclaim the top goalie spot on the team. He has been rolling of late, and the team will need him to continue his run tonight.