The Carolina Hurricanes have experienced a noteworthy span since discovering their rhythm.
“Simply carry over the finest play we made in recent contests into the following contest and maintain that momentum,” said Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov regarding the strategy. The Hurricanes will attempt to execute this strategy on Friday night against the host Washington Capitals.
Carolina is riding a four-game winning string and has recorded a minimum of a point in ten of its previous eleven contests. “We simply have to persevere and assess our progress by the conclusion of the season,” stated Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Following their 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, the Capitals will play the second game of a five-game homestand (1-3-2).
During that game, veteran winger Max Pacioretty made his Washington debut after recovering from an injury sustained while playing for the Hurricanes last season.
“Many emotions are present,” Pacioretty remarked. She also mentioned that five games have passed since she last played one, so indeed she was feeling a range of emotions.
Following a turbulent journey across the western region, the hurricanes have seen a period of improvement in recent weeks. This improvement lasted for a length of time. The reversal has made it easier for the momentum to grow and reach new heights.
Defenseman Brady Skjei of the Carolina Panthers stated, “We are assured, our squad is comprised of exceptional scorers, so it is evident that they are currently performing admirably.”
Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho, the NHL’s reigning “First Star” of the week, have been major contributors to the offense’s recent surge. They have accumulated 24 points collectively over the previous five contests. “They have dominated the situation,” Skjei declared. “I cannot think of an alternative means to express it. They have been our most valuable players for the past week or so, and they have been on fire. “It’s entertaining to observe and attempt to retrieve the puck for them.”
Not observing a significant transformation in either player, Brind’Amour concludes that they are reaping the rewards of their diligence. “We possess outstanding athletes,” Brind’Amour remarked. “They are, in a sense, receiving a compensation. They have been entering recently.”
After defeating the New York Rangers 6-1 on Tuesday night, the Hurricanes will attempt to complete a spotless three-game road swing.
Svechnikov stated, “It gives you confidence whenever you score first, and from there it was smooth sailing.” The Hurricanes have received significant boosts from special teams during their current hot string.
“Undoubtedly, we’ve united in that regard,” Brind’Amour stated. “The stretch has been constructive.”
Washington’s impressive first forty minutes were not extended into the third period against New Jersey. “Simply too many errors and little late pushback,” Carbery explained. “We made little effort, which is extremely disheartening.”
The Capitals will also have Ethan Bear, a former Carolina defenseman who recently signed a two-year contract, in addition to Pacioretty.
On December 17, Washington emerged victorious in a road shootout, 2-1, against Carolina. In regulation, Aho scored the lone goal for Carolina, whereas Martin Fehervary scored for Washington.