South Raleigh News

A disappointing performance by the Carolina Hurricanes resulted in a 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Lenovo Center. This marks the third time this season that the Hurricanes have been shut out.

The game began with Minnesota taking an early lead thanks to Mats Zuccarello's goal midway through the first period, following a four-minute power play for Carolina. The second period saw further setbacks for the Hurricanes, as they faced back-to-back penalties. Although they managed to kill off the first penalty, Joel Eriksson Ek scored during the second, extending Minnesota's lead to 2-0 at 11:30.

Carolina seemed to catch a break when Jalen Chatfield's shot deflected off a Wild defender into the net late in the second period. However, after review, it was disallowed due to an offside call. The team had another opportunity early in the third period on a power play but failed to capitalize again. Seven minutes later, Matt Boldy's breakaway increased Minnesota's advantage to 3-0. A late empty-netter from Zuccarello sealed their victory.

Hurricanes' goalie Pyotr Kochetkov saved 24 of 27 shots in his 25th start this season.

Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour expressed concern over his team's lack of consistency after their 39th game of the season. "It's got to change," he said post-game. "We've got to get on a roll."

Returning from hand surgery and missing ten games, Jack Drury rejoined Carolina's lineup and played for just over eleven minutes.

During tonight’s match, Dmitry Orlov delivered a notable slap shot measured at 100.1 mph - making him one of only six NHL players this season to reach such speeds.

Captain Jordan Staal described his perspective on their defeat: "We were kind of just hoping something good was going happen... We lost special teams battle which always hurts." Andrei Svechnikov added about his scoring drought: "No frustration... I've got find way put puck net."

The Hurricanes will face Pittsburgh Penguins next at Lenovo Center on Sunday night.