Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 7th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The Hurricanes of Carolina are discovering various methods to accomplish their goals, but the recurring theme has been consistent triumphs in the early stages of this season.
Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Penguins have not had the same luck and will attempt to break their losing streak against the Hurricanes when the two teams clash on Thursday night in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Carolina currently boasts a seven-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a 6-4 win against the Philadelphia Flyers, in which they scored two goals in the final 31 seconds.
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"Successful teams always find a way to win," stated forward Martin Necas, who scored the game-winning goal for the Hurricanes in their last match.
On the other hand, the Penguins have been struggling to find success, which has led to a great deal of frustration within the team.
"We simply need to improve our performance," said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.
The Hurricanes' record of 9-2-0 is the second-fastest they have reached nine wins since their nine-game winning streak at the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
However, their last game against the Flyers was not their usual dominant performance, with some choppy moments throughout the match.
"Sometimes you have to win in unconventional ways," said coach Rod Brind'Amour. "You can't expect to play at your best every night in this league."
Despite their struggles, the Hurricanes managed to contain the Flyers, who only managed to get six shots on goal in the second and third periods combined.
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Necas is currently on a seven-game points streak, which is the longest in his career so far.
"I feel more confident than ever before," Necas stated. "I have always had faith in my abilities, and now I am building chemistry with my teammates as well."
His impressive run of form has been one of the highlights of the Hurricanes' season so far.
"Necas has been absolutely incredible," praised teammate Jack Drury.
While the younger players and newcomers have been making headlines for the Hurricanes, the veterans have also been stepping up and contributing significantly. Jordan Martinook scored his first goal of the season in their last game, and defenseman Brent Burns recorded two assists for his first multi-point game of the season.
The Hurricanes previously defeated the Penguins 4-1 on October 18th, with Necas scoring a goal and an assist in that game.
However, Carolina will be without their starting goaltender Frederik Andersen, who is currently nursing an injury. In his place, former Hurricanes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic will be in the net for the Penguins for the third consecutive game.
The Penguins' two-game winning streak was snapped in their last game against the New York Islanders, losing 4-3 in a shootout.
"We had plenty of opportunities to take control of the game, but we couldn't capitalize," said Sullivan.
This game against the Hurricanes is the first of two meetings between the two teams this season.
Pittsburgh has already faced the Montreal Canadiens twice this season, winning both games.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Defenseman Dougie Hamilton scored on the first attempt of the shootout, and that was enough for the Carolina Hurricanes in a rousing 3-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night at Raleigh, N.C.
The Hurricanes made it past regulation when captain Justin Williams scored the tying goal with 1:56 left in the third period after the Hurricanes opted to go with an extra skater.
Pittsburgh's Kris Letang scored with 4:37 remaining to dispel some of the growing frustration for the Penguins, but they couldn't hold on.
The Penguins were repeatedly denied by Carolina goalie Petr Mrazek in the third period.
Brock McGinn scored earlier for the Hurricanes, who've pieced together consecutive home victories during a crucial part of the schedule. This marked the second game in a five-game homestand.
Jake Guentzel provided a goal and an assist for the Penguins. Bryan Rust had two assists while Sidney Crosby registered his 60th assist of the season.
Pittsburgh (89 points) is third and Carolina (87) is fourth in the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins, who kicked off a four-game road trip, are 6-2-2 across their last 10 games.
Penguins goalie Matt Murray posted 37 saves.
Mrazek finished with 36 saves, including 17 in the third period.
It was an active first period, though it ended scoreless. The Penguins had perhaps the best chance early when the puck got past Mrazek, but Hamilton was there to sweep it away.
Mrazek made a nifty stop in the second period on Crosby's attempt after he came out of the penalty box following a stretch of 4-on-4 hockey.
McGinn opened the scoring, marking Carolina's first goal in two games on home ice against Pittsburgh this season. Justin Faulk found McGinn with a pass in the slot for the scoring play.
Guentzel tied it 38 seconds later with his 37th goal of the season.
Penguins right wing Phil Kessel played in his 320th consecutive game, setting a franchise record.