The Carolina Hurricanes put together a perfect homestand, completing their week with a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night. The Staal line combined to score twice in just over three minutes, erasing a third-period deficit on goals by Jordan Martinook and William Carrier. Their triumph over the Kraken pushed the Canes to four straight victories after losing three in a row.
Before tonight's contest, the Red Wings will honor Sergei Fedorov's career by raising his number to the rafters. It's perfect timing for this to come with the Hurricanes in town, given the history between Fedorov, Carolina, and Detroit. Tonight also marks the first half of back-to-backs for both teams, with Detroit facing Boston and the Canes visiting the Blues on Tuesday night.
On the Other Side: Detroit Red Wings
Last meeting: The Hurricanes and the Red Wings met in Raleigh on December 27. Detroit got out to an early lead, but a big second period pushed the Canes in front, 3-1, after 40. The Wings got one on the power play early in the third, but they never drew closer. Andrei Svechnikov and Shayne Gostisbehere finished with a goal and two assists each in a 5-2 Carolina victory.
Since losing in Raleigh, the Red Wings have gotten right back to their winning ways. They've won five of their last seven contests, going 5-1-1. The Red Wings enter the night on a three-game winning streak, knocking off a trio of Canadian teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, 4-0 on Saturday night north of the border.
With their hot stretch, the Red Wings sit atop the ever-changing Atlantic Division. They've been jockeying for the top spot with Montreal and Tampa Bay for the last little bit. Only the Bolts (9 games) and the Canes (4) have longer active winning streaks in the Eastern Conference than Detroit. By virtue of their nine-game streak, the Lightning own the edge in points percentage.
This Red Wings roster features three Olympians, with Lucas Raymond (Sweden) and Moritz Seider (Germany) being named over the summer, and Dylan Larkin being named to the U.S. roster along with Jaccob Slavin on January 2. The trio makes up three of Detroit's top four scorers, along with Alex DeBrincat.
Red Wings to Watch
Patrick Kane: When these two met in December, Kane wasn't in the lineup, but he is back and making history. On Thursday night, Kane scored his 500th goal in a two-goal effort against the Canucks. He became the 50th player in NHL history to hit the mark, and the 5th American-born player. "Showtime" continues to make his case as one of the best Americans to ever play the game.
Andrew Copp: There was a collective moment of dread when Copp scored in the third period against the Canes. Fortunately, the Red Wings never tied it. Copp has been feeling it in the new year. Over his last five games, he has three goals and five points, including a multi-point effort on Saturday night in Montreal.
Hurricanes to Watch
William Carrier: It was sheer luck that Carrier was credited with the game-winning goal against the Kraken. As he was battling in front of the net, Ryan Lindgren pushed him into Joey Daccord. In the process, Slavin's shot hit Carrier's skate and went in. It didn't need to be a pretty goal, and it certainly wasn't. Maybe this lucky goal can lead to a little more offense for Carrier.
Jaccob Slavin: The storybook ending to his return would've been Slavin scoring the game-winning goal for his 300th point. Instead, he'll settle for the assist. It wasn't the cleanest game for Slavin, who was walked by Matty Beniers on Seattle's opening goal. However, he made up for it in the end. As he continues to shake off the rust, he'll start to look more like himself.