Hot Teams Collide: Hurricanes Host Blue Jackets in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes are finding their groove again, and it’s showing with their recent three-game win streak. With a 5-1-1 record in their last seven games, they’ll try to keep the momentum alive as they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to Raleigh, N.C., on Thursday night.

Carolina is coming off two gritty road wins — a 4-3 overtime thriller against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday and a 2-1 nail-biter over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. The team is finally starting to look like the dominant force fans remember from earlier in the season.

Blue Jackets Bring Heat

Columbus has been red-hot too, with a 7-1-1 record over their last nine games. They’re riding high after a 5-1 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, thanks to Adam Fantilli’s first career hat trick in his hometown. But with this being the final stop on a four-game road trip, can the Blue Jackets sustain their energy?

Goalie Showdown

For Carolina, veteran goalie Frederik Andersen could make his first home appearance since the season opener. Andersen recently returned from knee surgery and showed flashes of brilliance in Monday’s win. Backup Pyotr Kochetkov followed up with a stellar performance in Dallas, stopping 22 shots.

Columbus, meanwhile, has its own goalie drama. Elvis Merzlikins shook off a mid-day injury scare to shine against Toronto, stopping 28 of 29 shots. But with backup Daniil Tarasov ready, it’ll be interesting to see how they manage the net.

Key Players to Watch

The Hurricanes’ Martin Necas has been electric, posting 16 multi-point games this season — tied for 10th in the league. On the other side, Columbus winger Kirill Marchenko continues to rack up assists, with his 33rd coming on Wednesday.

What’s at Stake

Thursday’s game marks the fourth meeting of the season between these teams. The home team has won two of the first three matchups, including Columbus’ shootout victories in November and December. Both teams are playing high-pressure hockey and will need to stick to their strengths to come out on top.

Will the Hurricanes’ renewed energy or the Blue Jackets’ fiery momentum carry the day? The answer awaits in Raleigh.

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