The Carolina Hurricanes delivered a dominant performance against the Florida Panthers on Friday night, securing a decisive 9-1 victory. This win served as redemption for the Hurricanes, who had previously lost two games to the Panthers in December after relinquishing leads. The Hurricanes demonstrated their offensive capabilities, with every forward contributing at least one point.
One of the key factors in the Hurricanes' triumph was their exceptional power play performance. The team scored four power-play goals out of five attempts, significantly boosting their power play efficiency from 19.6% to 21.6%, which elevated their ranking in the NHL from 19th to 13th. At one juncture, they converted four consecutive power plays, transforming a narrow 2-1 lead into a commanding 6-1 advantage.
Nikolaj Ehlers shone brightly, achieving his first hat trick with the Hurricanes and contributing an assist for a four-point night. Ehlers' goals were instrumental in Carolina's victory, including the opening goal and two more in the third period. Taylor Hall contributed two goals, while Mark Jankowski had a goal and two assists. Alexander Nikishin and Andrei Svechnikov each contributed a goal and an assist. Goaltender Brandon Bussi also made a statement, stopping 16 shots.
The Hurricanes' offense exploded in the third period, scoring six unanswered goals. Uvis Balinskis scored the sole goal for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers' goalie, allowed all nine goals, managing only 26 saves.
This victory holds particular significance considering the recent playoff history between the two teams. The Panthers had eliminated the Hurricanes in the 2023 and 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. The Hurricanes, leading the Metropolitan Division with 29 wins and 62 points, aim to create a more balanced rivalry with the Panthers, who sit lower in the Atlantic Division with 24 wins and 51 points.
Following the game, the Panthers prepared to face the Washington Capitals, while the Hurricanes were set to play against the Devils in New Jersey.
