The Carolina Hurricanes host the Ottawa Senators on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Legend Center for the second time in the 2024-25 season. The last time these two teams met was on November 16, when the Hurricanes defeated the Senators 4-0 on the back of a masterclass performance from Spencer Martin. In the second of three games this season, the Hurricanes lost 3-0 to the Senators, their second shutout loss of the season.
Who comes out on top in a contest that features two great netminders in Peter Kochetkov and Linus Ullmark?
game review
In the first quarter of the game, the home team had many opportunities, including two powerful attack opportunities. When they were down 2-0, they saw a few chances from Seth Jarvis, who was all over the Senators defense, especially Ullmark. The Hurricanes had 10 shots on goal and seven scoring chances, while the visitors had only six shots on goal and four scoring chances. The main highlight of the game was defender Shayne Gostisbehere stuttering on a Senators player and sending him back into the neutral zone.
Although neither side scored in the first quarter, the game was somewhat evenly matched, with the Hurricanes having a slight advantage in personnel advantages and shooting opportunities. Two network administrators also stepped up when needed.
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The Senators outscored the Hurricanes 11-9 in the second period but only led 1-0 after a Shane Pinto goal. At 4:04 of the midfield, Pinto shot over Kochetkov's glove. The home team failed to clear the ball several times, which ultimately cost the team. He scored at 4:04. It looked like the Russian goaltender didn't see the puck, but there was nothing he could do on a couple of poor clear-cut attempts. Gostisbehere was outstanding all night as he took every opportunity he had for the Hurricanes. He was the most compelling player on both sides besides Ullmark. The Hurricanes still led the Senators 19-17 after 40 minutes and trailed by just one goal entering the third quarter.
Entering the third quarter, the Hurricanes seemed ready to tie the game. The Senators had other plans, however, as Nick Jansen beat Kochetkov shortly after the Hurricanes penalty kill killed an interference penalty. With 46 seconds left in the game, Pinto scored his second empty-net goal of the night to make it 3-0. In the end, the visiting team won with Ullmark's 32 saves. Despite conceding two goals in the net, Kochetkov struck out 19 of 21 games.
The loss moved the Hurricanes to 18-10-1, while the Senators improved to 14-13-2 with the win.
A non-stop schedule
The Hurricanes' next game will be against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, December 15th at 5 PM ET as they look to get back into the win column. As for the Senators, their next game will be Saturday, December 14, when they return home for the second game of a back-to-back when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game between the two teams is scheduled to take place in Canada's capital at 7 p.m. ET.
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