Goaltender Spencer Martin didn’t rely on luck in Las Vegas; he was always in the right place at the right time, saving 29 of 30 shots he faced. Two third-period goals from center Seth Jarvis and right wing Stefan Noesen propelled Carolina to a 3-1 win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Martin made his second start for the Hurricanes (32-17-5) this season, facing tough tests on the road against Boston and now Vegas (31-17-6). He boasts a .948 save percentage, allowing just three goals against two of the top teams in the league.
The opportunity arose for Martin after goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov secured a win the night prior. Martin faced early challenges, but weathered the storm that Vegas threw at him, conceding just one goal from the 13 shots faced in the first period.
Vegas right wing Jonathan Marchessault managed to tap the puck past Martin midway through the opening frame after an initial two-on-one opportunity failed, scoring the Golden Knights’ only goal of the night.
Carolina leveled the score at one apiece with a skillful goal from left wing Andrei Svechnikov, who gained possession at center ice and used his speed to skate past three Vegas defenders, flicking a backhand shot past goaltender Adin Hill’s blocker. This snapped Svechnikov’s three-game pointless streak and could reignite his confidence.
The Hurricanes performed much better in the second frame, outshooting Vegas 12-8, but once again, Martin made the necessary saves. Svechnikov was penalized for high-sticking against defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, a penalty that carried into the third period.
Carolina began the third period with 1:49 remaining on the penalty kill. Just 19 seconds in the frame, Jarvis capitalized on center Jordan Staal’s clearing attempt that bounced along the boards to Vegas’ blue line. Jarvis corralled the puck and beat Hill through the five-hole, giving Carolina its first lead on a shorthanded goal.
The Canes successfully killed off the remaining time on the penalty and added an insurance goal just minutes later. Noesen extended the lead to 3-1 after redirecting a shot from center Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Carolina scored two goals separated by exactly six minutes to close out the game and secure a 3-1 win, earning four points in the standings in two nights. Carolina remains in second place in the Metropolitan division standings and just four points back of the New York Rangers.
It wasn’t the prettiest or most dominant game for the Hurricanes, but thanks to timely goals and an impressive outing from Martin, Carolina fought its way to a significant road win. Martin now stands at 2-0 as a member of the Hurricanes, boasting a 4.49 goals saved above expected and a .948 save percentage. It seems like Martin may have solidified himself in some sort of role on this team until goaltenders Antti Raanta and Frederick Andersen return.
The Canes will return to Raleigh and face the Chicago Blackhawks at PNC Arena on Monday, Feb. 19. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
