The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday. After trailing at the end of the first period due to an early error, the Hurricanes responded with a strong performance in the second and third periods, outshooting the Ducks 19-3 during the middle frame and scoring three goals.
Mark Jankowski tied the game midway through the second period, but Anaheim’s Mikael Granlund quickly regained the lead for the Ducks. Logan Stankoven then equalized for Carolina off a setup from Taylor Hall. Jalen Chatfield gave the Hurricanes their first lead with a goal from the left circle.
In the third period, Carolina limited Anaheim to four shots. Jackson Blake added an insurance goal, and Hall scored into an empty net to secure victory. Goaltender Frederik Andersen stopped 11 of 13 shots, ending his nine-game winless streak and earning his first win since November 6.
Stankoven extended his point streak to four games with his third consecutive goal. Chatfield marked his 300th career game by scoring his first goal of the season and registering a multi-point night. Hall recorded both a goal and an assist for his fourth multi-point game this season. Five of six Hurricanes defensemen contributed points in this match, equaling a team mark set earlier in San Jose on October 14.
Carolina allowed just 13 shots—the fewest they have conceded in a game this season—matching their defensive showing against Winnipeg on November 28.
Afterwards, players and coaches reflected on their approach:
“I think we just stuck with our game plan. We didn’t get away from it. Even early on, they got the first (goal), and we didn’t press too hard. We stuck with what we know is winning hockey, and throughout the second and third periods did a lot of the same,” said Mark Jankowski.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour addressed how they overcame an early setback: “We had one mistake – what you can’t do against that team with the transition game they have. We kind of gave them [their first goal], but then I thought the rest of the night was pretty much exactly how we needed to do it, and obviously we got the result.”
Frederik Andersen commented on limiting Anaheim’s opportunities: “I thought we really took it to them, pretty much all game long. I think they didn’t have too much. They had a tough time earning chances. I thought we really put it to them and obviously, it paid off.”
Brind’Amour also credited his defense: “I can’t really say enough about how they’ve played here in the last little bit. [They’re] competitive and really making it hard for the other team to even get in the zone. And [they’re] winning their battles.”
Jalen Chatfield spoke about Andersen’s return to form: “He’s a great goalie. We know what he’s capable of doing, so you know we’re going to see him get hot. He’s great in practice. He’s going to put it together, and he played great tonight. He’s going to keep building from that.”
Andersen added after breaking his winless run: “I’m just happy to play a good game and keep moving on… You’re never perfect, and sometimes things don’t go your way. You’ve just got to keep turning the rocks over, finding ways to get better and clean up the game as much as you can. Obviously, just believe in yourself that you can turn it around. It was a great team effort as well today.”
The Hurricanes’ home venue is Lenovo Center in Raleigh—a facility featuring over 700,000 square feet with multiple seating levels that can accommodate up to 20,000 people for more than 150 events each year according to its official website. The arena hosts professional ice hockey games as well as other events that contribute over $200 million annually to Raleigh’s local economy through community engagement (source).
The Hurricanes will be off Friday before hosting Seattle Kraken at home Saturday night.
