The Carolina Hurricanes fought to the very last whistle in a back-and-forth game against the Dallas Stars but ultimately fell short, losing 4-2.

Carolina (30-17-5) started a three-game road trip with plenty of energy after defeating the New Jersey Devils on Whalers night. The Hurricanes outshot the Stars (33-14-6) 34-23, but Carolina’s star trio of center Sebastian Aho, left wing Teuvo Teravainen, and right wing Andrei Svechnikov combined for zero shots in the game.

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov led the Hurricanes out of their locker room after an impressive 34-save shutout in the previous game. Also returning to the ice after missing the last two games due to illness was defenseman Brett Pesce. Both teams had some promising opportunities to open the period but none better than defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s shot, which was tipped in front and rang off the crossbar just moments into the game.

Midway through the first period, a costly turnover in the neutral zone allowed center Roope Hintz to gain possession, with plenty of separation from the nearest Canes defender. Hintz fooled Kochetkov with a pump fake, then slid the puck through the five-hole to score the lone goal of the period. Despite having several opportunities, Carolina couldn’t find a way to beat goaltender Jake Oettinger and ended the period down in a 1-0 hole.

Carolina scored its first goal of the game just 13 seconds into the second period. Center Seth Jarvis executed a nifty backhand saucer pass directly onto the tape of center Jordan Staal, who sent the puck past Oettinger’s blocker and into the net. However, after the equalizer, the Stars quickly regained their lead when left wing Mason Marchment broke free and scored.

In the later stages of the period, Carolina’s forecheck, combined with left wing Jordan Martinook’s ability to keep the puck in the zone, led to a goal. Staal wrapped around the net and found Martinook out front, who sent a shot that deflected off left wing Jesper Fast’s skate and into the net.

In the opening stages of the third period, Carolina remained sloppy, so Kochetkov had to be sharp to keep the game tied at two apiece. Although Kochetkov made timely saves throughout the game, left wing Jason Robertson was given too much room and punished Carolina’s defense to give the Stars their lead back for the third time.

Carolina again had prime opportunities in the offensive zone to score and tie the game. Oettinger was outstanding, however, making what could be considered the save of the game and possibly the save of the year with a diving glove save on a Pesce shot that seemed destined for the back of the net.

With just under three minutes remaining in the game, head coach Rod Brind’Amour pulled Kochetkov for the extra skater, but seconds later, center Matt Duchene scored from his own defensive zone into the empty net. This seemed to be the dagger and might’ve led most Canes fans to turn off the TV. However, less than 60 seconds after the empty-netter, center Jack Drury was able to poke the puck past Oettinger with the extra skater on what appeared to be a good goal.

The goal would ultimately be waved off after a successful coach’s challenge for goaltender interference. The review determined that Drury pushed Oettinger’s pad and prevented him from making the save. The Hurricanes fought until the final horn, but overall played too sloppy to defeat the Central Division leaders.

Next up, Carolina will head further out west to take on the Arizona Coyotes on Friday, Feb. 16. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m.