For the first time since being knocked out of the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes returned to the ice on Tuesday to play semi-meaningful hockey. The Canes opened their preseason slate by traveling to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning in the first of six preseason contests.
As we'll likely see during these six games, the Hurricanes deployed a lineup mixed with veterans and rookies. Along with regulars from last year's team, like Jack Drury, Dmitry Orlov, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, we got our first looks at offseason additions Tyson Jost and Eric Robinson, while also getting some of the team's top prospects a chance. Pyotr Kochetkov took the start for the Canes in their opener.
It took the Hurricanes a little while to get into the action. The Lightning forced them to chase the game early, spending most of their time in front of Pyotr Kochetkov. While the Russian netminder was helping them weather the storm, one eventually beat him. It didn't seem like Kochetkov had a clear look at Logan Brown's shot as the Bolts broke the ice midway through the opening period.
The Hurricanes started to build momentum late in the first period, and while early second-period penalties helped ruin it, the penalty kill stepped up and got the job done. Anttoni Honka's start to the game was rough. He made a few ill-advised passes and allowed Anthony Cirelli a great chance, which Kochetkov bailed him on. However, seconds after Cirelli's chance, Honka entered the zone quickly, dangled past Emil Lilleberg, and beat Matt Tomkins to even things up.
After surviving a post and a flurry at the end of the second period, the Hurricanes tried to find the go-ahead goal in the third period. Jack Drury nearly got it after receiving a pass from Jackson Blake in the slot, only to be stoned by Brandon Halverson. The power play would get its first chance to operate midway through the third, but it came up empty.
The Lightning found some life late in the third period, but the Canes didn't budge. They turned around and trapped the Bolts in their zone in the late stages, getting the game-winner in the process. Jack Drury's forecheck allowed Jackson Blake to get the puck to Aleksi Heimosalmi at the point. Heimosalmi fired it at the net, and while Tyson Jost might've tipped it on the way, it found its way into the back of the net with 44 seconds left. The Canes locked the Bolts down for the rest of the period, holding on for a 2-1 win.
It's important to remember that for the next six games, individual performances will be more important than wins or losses, especially for those who aren't currently locked into a roster spot. Among the rookie standouts were Jackson Blake, who showcased his playmaking abilities, Aleksi Heimosalmi, who is credited with the game-winner, and Charles-Alexis Legeault, who was active in the defensive zone and on the penalty kill.
Ronan Seeley was also noticeable early in the game, while Anttoni Honka picked up steam after his tough start. It was also a good night for Tyson Jost. As a forward fighting for one of the final spots in the Opening Night lineup, Jost did a lot to set himself apart.
The best player on the ice for either team was Jack Drury. He had a Grade-A chance to put the Hurricanes ahead, sold out to block shots, and was a big part of the game-winner. We also got the full Pyotr Kochetkov experience. He was active all night, coming out of the net to play the puck almost any time he could. We'll likely see him again during the preseason, but this was a good way to get him back into it.
Up Next: The Hurricanes will play a weekend home-and-home with the Florida Panthers on Friday and Saturday. They'll start with their preseason home opener on Friday night before sending a team to Sunrise for Saturday's game. They'll play the Nashville Predators twice and the Lightning one more time before kicking off their season against the Bolts on October 11.