Recap: Canes Hold Off Nashville, 5-3

RALEIGH, NC. -Not without scare, but the Carolina Hurricanes landed themselves back in the win column Friday, taking a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators.

The Rundown
For the second consecutive game the Canes opponent came out of the gate playing a physical brand of hockey, controlling the first few minutes of play. However, yet again, Frederik Andersen was calm, cool and collected, allowing his team to withstand the opening push.
As the home side worked to find their game over the next few minutes, they would earn the game's first goal 10:24 into the first frame courtesy of Brady Skjei. Following a won offensive zone faceoff by Vincent Trocheck, Skjei took advantage of the available avenue to the net, burying a backhand for his sixth goal since January 1.

Skjei's tally allowed his club to hit a new gear, continuing momentum as the play moved into the second period. Then, 5:14 into the middle frame, Jesperi Kotkaniemi doubled Carolina's lead by putting home his own rebound for his tenth goal of the season.
Although their lead was only 2-0 at the time, it felt as if the home side had complete control of the contest then. Nashville was able to get on the board with 1:22 left in the second, but, before they could take that momentum into the third, Jaccob Slavin had an answer with exactly one second to go in the frame to retake the two-goal advantage.
Taking a 3-1 lead into the final frame, a power play marker from Andrei Svechnikov extended that gap to three for the first time all night. Featuring a brilliant setup from Teuvo Teravainen, it was the 21st of the year for the 21-year-old.

It felt as if that tally was enough insurance for the Canes, however, for a second consecutive game they found themselves in a dicey situation with the opposition's extra attacker on. Nashville Head Coach John Hynes elected to pull Juuse Saros early, getting him to the bench down three with 5:47 to play.
The move turned out to be a successful one, as Filip Forsberg struck just seconds later to make it a 4-2 game.
After taking possession following the ensuing faceoff, Saros went to the bench again and his group was able to get the same result. Rookie Tanner Jeannot tipped home a Roman Josi effort to make it a one-goal contest.
Fortunately for the Canes, on Nashville's fourth attempt with the extra attacker, Svechnikov was able to hit the empty net to close out a 5-3 victory.
They Said It:
Rod Brind'Amourgiving his assessment on the game as a whole:
"I thought it was a pretty solid game. It was a close game. Both teams played hard, especially early. We capitalized on a few chances and the power play goal that got us ahead was big. I know they got a couple there at the end, but I thought overall both teams played hard and Freddie made some big saves there at a crucial time."
Brind'Amouroffering thoughts on Brady Skjei, who leads all NHL defensemen with six goals in 2022:
"He's been really solid all year. His goals are coming because he skates so well. He has the ability to get up in the rush and as you saw tonight, it's not up in the rush, but it's his skating that got him that goal. He cut down the wall, made a nice move and put it home. He's been good all year and it's good for him. It's not surprising."
Brady Skjeion his goal scoring:
"Obviously I'd like to keep that going. I've found some pretty good spots to put the puck in the back of the net and I've been lucky to capitalize on a few. Hopefully I can just keep it going."
Andrei Svechnikovon the importance of the team bouncing back with that type of win after the way the Florida game went Wednesday:
"It was very important. It's been a tough few games for us and we want to win every game we can before playoffs. We have to get that mentality in those games and it's what we have to do right now
What's Next?:
The Canes are scheduled to practice Saturday morning before flying to Pittsburgh for a Sunday afternoon meeting with the Penguins.
Bonus Notes:
Worth A Click:
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