Hurricanes Aim to Extend Streak as Red Wings Regain Momentum in Rematch
The Carolina Hurricanes enter the final stretch of the season with less pressure a shift that could work in their favor. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings might be feeling some relief, too, after snapping a brutal losing streak with a much-needed offensive surge.
These two teams will clash again on Friday night in Raleigh, marking their second showdown this month.
Carolina is riding high with five consecutive wins after a rough 2-6-0 skid. Defenseman Sean Walker acknowledged the team’s struggles with consistency but emphasized the importance of peaking at the right time.
“Every team faces ups and downs, but this is the time of year when you want to find your rhythm,” Walker said. “I think we’re getting there.”
Forward Jack Roslovic echoed that sentiment, noting that the tension surrounding the team has eased since the trade deadline.
“It was a hectic stretch leading up to the deadline,” Roslovic said. “Now, we’ve got our group locked in, and hopefully, we can build momentum.”
However, the Hurricanes are dealing with key injuries. Forward Andrei Svechnikov is doubtful for Friday’s game after suffering an injury, and defenseman Dmitry Orlov has missed the last three games with an undisclosed issue. Despite these setbacks, head coach Rod Brind’Amour remains confident.
“I know what we have in that locker room,” Brind’Amour said. “We can still grind out wins.”
Carolina’s latest victory, a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay, showcased depth scoring, with eight different players registering a point. Seth Jarvis extended his goal streak to three games, and Walker finally broke a three-month scoring drought.
On the other side, the Red Wings roared back to life with a 7-3 win over Buffalo on Wednesday, snapping a six-game skid. Detroit’s offense, which had been struggling to find the back of the net, exploded in a spirited, fight-filled third period.
Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper each scored twice, while Kane added three assists for his fourth career five-point game the first such performance by a Red Wing in nearly six years. Kane has been on fire, amassing 31 points in his last 25 games.
“The power play was clicking,” Kane said. “Sometimes the puck just finds the net, and it was great to see that happen.”
The last meeting between these two teams on March 4 ended in a tight 2-1 Carolina victory in Detroit. Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen, expected to start Friday, made 24 saves in that matchup, while Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal provided the offense. Ex-Carolina netminder Alex Lyon stopped 28 shots for the Red Wings, with Elmer Soderblom scoring their lone goal.
With both teams finding their stride in different ways, Friday’s rematch promises to be an intense battle.
