The Carolina Hurricanes earned two points for the women in their lives on Saturday night, putting together a strong start and a better finish to earn a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Canes scored twice in the first and third periods, and Frederik Andersen had an outstanding game in the crease, getting a little help from Sean Walker, becoming the first team in the East to 90 points.
The Canes' top line set the tone for them in the game in Tampa. Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho had a goal and an assist in the opening 20 minutes, putting Aho one point away from 700 for his career. Unlike his linemates, Seth Jarvis didn't find the scoresheet in the game, but he dropped the gloves against Zemgus Girgensons in defense of Aho.
On the Other Side: Columbus Blue Jackets
Last meeting: The Blue Jackets were in Raleigh in early December for a fun transportation battle in the net. Columbus got to Brandon Bussi first, scoring on the power play, but the Canes responded in the second on a Seth Jarvis goal against Jet Greaves. The Canes dominated the third period, scoring three times to pull away in a 4-1 victory, the ninth in ten games for Bussi.
On January 11, the Blue Jackets were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. At 19-19-7, they made a coaching change, bringing in Rick Bowness to be the new coach. Since then, the Blue Jackets have been incendiary. Going 15-2-4 under this new regime, Columbus is knocking on the door to make the postseason, sitting just outside of the division and Wild Card races.
The stars are leading the charges for the Jackets, led by Zach Werenski. He's second in defenseman goals and scoring this season while playing over 26 minutes per night, laying serious claim to a potential Norris Trophy. Kirill Marchenko leads the team with 25 goals. Charlie Coyle has been the greatest benefactor to the new coaching staff, leading the team with 25 points since the change.
In an effort to bolster the team as they push for the postseason, the Blue Jackets brought in Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks at the trade deadline. He has fit well, scoring four times in his first five games with the crew. Columbus enters the night with points in nine straight games, though four of those games have ended in defeat in overtime.
Blue Jackets to Watch
Dmitri Voronkov: While we often call Kirill Marchenko a "Canes Killer", the real killer might be Voronkov, who enters tonight's contest on a five-game goal streak against Carolina. He scored in all four meetings last season before providing the Blue Jackets' only tally on December 9. It would be a fitting way to break a pointless drought.
Mason Marchment: Before making their coaching change, the Blue Jackets made a deal with the Kraken right before Christmas to bring in Marchment, and it has been a wonderful marriage. In 24 games since joining Columbus, Marchment has 11 goals and 20 points, and the team is 16-3-5 when he is in the lineup. Business has been a little slow lately, with just one assist in four games.
Hurricanes to Watch
Andrei Svechnikov: Coming off a great game against the Bolts on Saturday, Svechnikov has five points during his last four contests. No matter how you break down his 2026 thus far, he has been spectacular. Svechnikov is two points away from his third-career 60-point campaign and appears to be on his way to a new personal best in scoring this season.
Jordan Martinook: There is something about moms' trips that makes Martinook step up at the right time. A few seasons ago, it was a breakaway goal in Boston. On Saturday, it was a sharp-angle shot in Tampa. Sitting one goal away from a fourth consecutive 10+-goal season, Martinook could use this as a building block to get hot down the stretch.