The Carolina Hurricanes quickly asserted dominance in their match against the Arizona Coyotes, scoring two goals within the first five minutes of the game. Led by coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes displayed a strong start, with Jordan Martinook finding the net just 16 seconds into the game. Pyotr Kochetkov showcased stellar goaltending throughout the night, securing the early lead with 30 saves. Brind’Amour praised Kochetkov’s performance, highlighting his crucial saves. The Hurricanes capitalized on their momentum, winning their sixth game out of eight.
In addition to Martinook’s goal, Jalen Chatfield, Seth Jarvis, Teuvo Teravainen, and Michael Bunting also contributed to the Hurricanes’ 5-1 victory. Despite Dylan Guenther scoring for the Coyotes, their struggles continued as they suffered their eighth consecutive loss. Coyotes coach André Tourigny acknowledged the team’s need for improvement, shouldering responsibility for their shortcomings.
The Hurricanes’ aggressive playstyle was evident from the start, with Martinook and Chatfield quickly finding the back of the net. Although the Coyotes attempted to rally, Kochetkov’s strong goaltending thwarted their efforts. The Hurricanes maintained pressure, with Jarvis extending their lead midway through the second period.
Teravainen and Bunting further widened the gap, leading to Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka being replaced by Matt Villalta in his NHL debut. Despite their recent win against Dallas, the Hurricanes displayed even greater resilience against the Coyotes. Jarvis noted the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, resulting in a more rewarding performance.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes are set to face the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Coyotes will take on the Colorado Avalanche.