For a second game and second day in a row, the Hurricanes gave up five goals on the road in what was a poor showing for a team that is gearing up for the playoffs. The Hurricanes possess a measly 16-18-3 record when not in Raleigh, a trend that is going to have to change to have any postseason success.
Boston right wing David Pastrnak single-handedly dragged the Bruins to a win, recording a point on each goal, three of which he scored himself. Pastrnak and the Bruins (31-37-9) ended their 10-game losing skid with a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes (46-26-4) Saturday night.
Recording a goal at 10:14 of the second, 1:28 and 15:18 of the third, Pastrnak’s hat-trick was natural, although on the scoresheet, it was unneeded when the Hurricanes only mustered up one past Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
Prior to Pastrnak’s natural hat trick, two former Hurricanes put goals past Canes netminder Frederik Andersen in the first period.
At 18:49 in the first, Boston center Morgan Geekie skated into the zone and ripped a snap shot cleanly past Andersen to break the deadlock. At 19:47, Bruins center Elias Lindholm tapped in a Pastrnak pass from just outside to double the Bruins’ lead.
For the second game in a row, the Hurricanes gave up two goals in less than a minute. Whether it’s an easing up on the gas with a playoff spot clinched or mental lapses, the recent results are not inspiring for the Caniacs.
After recording his first career NHL point against the Red Wings with a primary assist, center Justin Robidas extended his point streak to two with his first NHL goal. With less than a minute left in the game, Robidas was in the right place at the right time to shoot home a rebound to deny Swayman’s shutout in the final moments.
“It’s fun to contribute offensively,” Robidas said. “Unfortunate that came in a loss like that, but for sure it’s something that I’ll remember. It’s a pretty big weekend for myself and my family and everyone that supported me, so it’s definitely very special.”
Stopping 39 of 40 shots, Swayman looked like the goaltender the Bruins handed a big extension to rather than his recent self. Denying the Hurricanes at almost every turn, Swayman, as much as Pastrnak, kept Carolina out of the game as the clock wound down.
The Hurricanes will continue their road trip when they take on the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at 7 p.m.
