RALEIGH | The Canadian appeared at PNC Arena hoping to win a fourth straight game for the first time this season. The intention was noble, but against the Hurricanes, the team of the NHL, the task promised to be gigantic.
Led by Seth Jarvis’ first hat-trick of his career, Rod Brind’Amour’s side won 6-2, ensuring the Habs players showed they still had some scab to eat to hope against the powers that be to consist of the racetrack.
The evening had started well. Martin St-Louis’s squad had somehow managed to weather the storm. After 40 minutes she was still there.
Then the wind picked up. Three unanswered goals from the locals, scored in the first five minutes of the third period, dashed the Canadians’ hopes.
“The game was played there,” said the Habs head coach. It is a team that together can exploit the slightest mistake. And on an individual level, they’re betting on players who can make exceptional games. »
As a result, the Montrealers suffered their ninth straight defeat (0-7-2) at the Hurricanes’ home ground. His last win in North Carolina dates back to December 5, 2015.
To add insult to injury, Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored and scored his second goal in three games against his former side.
Another goal for RHP
Playing on the first line in the last three games at the Bell Centre, we wondered how Rafaël Harvey-Pinard would react in the same role on an opposing rink.
The number 49 ignored the advantage of their opponents’ last substitution (Rod Brind’Amour faced him with Jordan Staal’s trio of defences). From the very first engagement he showed his colors. On three occasions he nearly completed the efforts of Josh Anderson and Nick Suzuki by knocking on the goal gate.
His work was finally rewarded in the next third. Well positioned in the enclave, he accepted a pass from Mike Hoffman to thwart Antti Raanta.
“It was a big goal that allowed us to level the game,” agreed St-Louis. We had a good second half, we were more organized and faster. »
The Habs’ massive attack hit the mark for the third game in a row.
Michael Pezzetta was the Canadian’s other goalscorer with his fourth win of the season.