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Are the Carolina Hurricanes finally back? Do they have the momentum to prove themselves as a legitimate, Stanley Cup Playoffs threat?
It’s only January. However, recent results indicate the Canes’ ability to win in April, May, and June. They’re tuned for a deep postseason run.
After suffering a bad, 4-2 loss at the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, January 15, Carolina is now winners of its past three games. All victories came by one goal. They won 3-2 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. The score was 4-3 at the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. They also won 2-1 at the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.
Blowouts are a lot easier on your blood pressure. However, winning close games occurs nearly every Stanley Cup Playoffs game. This situation showcases a team’s clutch ability.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of the Canes’ recent victores.
Carolina stages first comeback, downs Pacific-leading Knights 3-2
The Canes had arguably their greatest test of 2025 on Jan. 15, welcoming the Pacific Division-leading Vegan Golden Knights to Raleigh.
Carolina passed that test with a 3-2 victory, thanks to goals from two of its young stars.
Vegas struck first, when Tomas Hertl scored on a backhand 4:22 into the second period. The Canes quickly responded, tying the game at one, with Seth Jarvis tallying his first of two goals nearly eight minutes later.
Jackson Blake broke the 1-1 tie just 46 seconds into the third period, then Jarvis pushed Carolina’s lead to 3-1 six minutes into the final frame. Shea Theodore narrowed the gap to one with a power play goal. However, the Canes’ defense held strong in the final 10 minutes to secure the win.
Canes stage massive comeback, down Blackhawks in overtime
Carolina looked on its way to another disappointing loss in the Windy City, falling behind Chicago 2-0 in the first period.
Thanks to two quick second period goals, captain Jordan Staal and a quick overtime goal, the Canes beat the Blackhawks 4-3.
Phillipp Kurashev and Tyler Bertuzzi tallied first period goals against Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen, who returned from injured reserve before the game. Jarvis responded with his third goal in two games, this time on the power play, then Jesperi Kotkaniemi tied the game at two at the 7:26 mark.
Ryan Donato gave Chicago a 3-2 lead in the closing seconds of the second period. The Blackhawks kept the Canes scoreless for most of the third period, until Staal tied things at three with six-and-a-half minutes left in regulation.
It didn’t take long for Carolina to win in overtime. Superstar Sebastian Aho ended the game 59 seconds into the extra frame, one-timing a Martin Nečas pass past former teammate Petr Mrazek.
Kotkaniemi plays hero in tight road win against Western Conference power
Jesperi Kotkaniemi hasn’t played up to his offensive expectations this year, but that all changed Tuesday in a 2-1 win at the Dallas Stars.
Kotkaniem scored the game’s first goal with three minutes remaining in the second period. He collected a pass inside the circle and rifled the puck past Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger. 10:11 into the third period, Stars defenseman Thomas Harley tied the game at 1-1 on a backhand, only to be undone by Kotkaniemi 24 seconds later.
Pyotr Kochetkov picked up a solid win in net for the Canes, stopping 22 of 23 shots.
When do the Canes play next?
Carolina returns home on Thursday, January 23, hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 7 p.m. face-off. The Canes then head up to face the New York Islanders on Saturday, Jan. 25 for a 7:30 p.m. face-off, followed by a trip to Manhattan on Tuesday against the New York Rangers.
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