The Carolina Hurricanes are feeling it after the Christmas break. They've won both games since the league stopped for the holidays, including their most recent win last night. Jackson Blake was the hero in overtime, deflecting a shot on the power play to beat the Rangers, 3-2. Sebastian Aho, whose shot he tipped, and Nikolaj Ehlers each recorded multi-point nights.
Monday was a very busy news day for the team. Along with welcoming Noah Philp to the mix after being claimed off waivers from Edmonton, the team announced that Pyotr Kochetkov's season was likely over after opting for hip surgery. With Brandon Bussi earning his 13th win on Monday against the Rangers, Frederik Andersen is expected to be in the crease tonight.
On the Other Side: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the better surprises in the league this season. They're in the thick of the division and Wild Card hunts after another disappointing result a season ago. The Penguins floated around .500 into New Year's Eve before they fell off a cliff. From the final day of 2024 to the end of March, the Penguins went 12-18-6, putting themselves near the bottom of the league.
The team added several veterans this offseason, in case they needed to sell at the deadline, but that might not be the case this year. Anthony Mantha has provided valuable scoring depth. The group has also seen some turnover in the net, bringing in Arturs Silovs as their backup and acquiring Stuart Skinner earlier this month. They kept dealing on Monday, adding Yegor Chinakhov from Columbus.
Of course, you can't talk about the Penguins without mentioning Sidney Crosby. The ageless wonder is already at 20 goals and 39 points this season, leading the Penguins in both respects. Many feel this is the last ride for this Penguins' core, with Crosby's future uncertain and the team stating that it wouldn't be bringing back Evgeni Malkin after the season.
Last season: The Canes swept the season series, winning all three contests. Their only win in Pittsburgh came at the start of their State Fair road trip, winning 4-1. They once again dominated when the Penguins ventured to Raleigh in early November, winning 5-1, before squeaking one out in overtime, 4-3, in early January on a Sebastian Aho winner.
Penguins to Watch
Justin Brazeau: After joining the Penguins as a depth addition this summer, Brazeau was on fire to begin the season, scoring six goals and 12 points in 12 games. An upper-body injury cost him over a month, but Brazeau has come back with some fire. He recorded his first career hat trick on Sunday night, lighting up the Blackhawks three times in a 7-3 victory.
Erik Karlsson: I've stated numerous times that +/- is not a fair stat when determining someone's defensive aptitude. However, Karlsson has long been lauded as a poor defensive player. Despite this, he's on pace for one of his best finishes in recent years, sitting at -8 through 37 games. Karlsson has had a rough go at it lately, posting just one assist and a -9 in his last five games.
Hurricanes to Watch
Nikolaj Ehlers: Not only is Ehlers coming off a two-assist effort against the Rangers on Monday night, but both of his helpers came on the power play, giving him three in the last four games. The power play's success is a welcome development, though I would like to see him find the scoresheet with a little more consistency at 5-on-5.
K'Andre Miller: After being a game-time decision against his former team, Miller put together a strong showing in Gostisbehere's absence. Along with stout defensive plays, Miller threw a shot off the crossbar in the first period and notched the secondary assist on the tying goal in the third period. He hasn't found the back of the net since Opening Night. I think he's long past due for another goal.