In its final matchup of the 2023 preseason, the Carolina Hurricanes took down the Nashville Predators 4-1 in PNC Arena on Friday night. After falling to the Preds 5-1 the previous night, the Canes sent out a new roster filled to the brim with fan favorites and talent.
With the season’s home opener scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 11, it was time for the Canes’ stars to take the ice. With forwards like Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas all taking the ice during this matchup, it seems like the Canes are truly gearing up for the regular season. Newcomers in defensemen Dimitri Orlav and Tony DeAngelo also saw action, possibly foreshadowing their long-term impacts on the ice.
The first period started strong and fast, with three hits being dished out in the first three minutes of the game. Carolina’s offense was buzzing from the start, as multiple players were taking shots on Nashville goalie Kevin Lankin — the team finished the period with 13 shots on goal compared to the Predators’ five.
Left wing Tuevo Teravainen opened up scoring for the Canes — and the game — with a power play goal. A kneeing penalty got the Canes up a man on the ice, giving Teravainen the opportunity to bring the game to 1-0. Carolina went .500 on the power play throughout the night.
As the buzzer sounded to start the second period, the Nashville offense stole all the momentum on the ice. After leading in shots on goal, the Predators were able to tie the game 1-1 15 minutes into the period. But after that, Nashville didn’t score for the rest of the night. Jarvis gave the lead back to the Canes off of a snap shot in the final minute of the second period, bringing the score to 2-1.
The third period was in the Canes’ hands as they once again took back control of the matchup. Within 20 seconds, Carolina sealed the deal off of two goals. Necas scored on a wrist shot in the 15th minute of the period to give the Canes a solid 3-1 lead, but left wing Michael Bunting wanted to join in on the fun. Bunting scored just 20 seconds later on another wrist shot, sealing the final score at 4-1.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen played the full 60 minutes for Carolina, giving an impressive performance while doing so. Stopping 22 of the 23 shots he faced, Andersen finished the game with a .957 save percentage — and possibly etched his name as the opening night starter.
The Canes will stay in Raleigh through the weekend and prepare for their season opener. The 2023-24 Carolina Hurricanes season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at PNC Arena against the Ottawa Senators.
