Bouncing Back
The Canes have responded in a positive manner to in-game adversity. Now, the challenge ahead of them is responding to their first regulation loss of the season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
That loss, though, was nothing to hang their heads over. The Hurricanes competed hard and went toe-to-toe with a big, strong, talented Winnipeg Jets team that was sitting and waiting for the Canes, who earned a 5-4 overtime victory the night prior in Minnesota.
"It was a hard-fought game," Jordan Staal said. "We were right there. We did a lot of great things and worked really hard. Sometimes they don't go your way. I thought we could have had a better result, but that's hockey. We'll move forward from this one."
"I didn't feel like we were overly matched. It felt like we were hanging in there with them and probably had some opportunities to win the game," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "Overall I'm happy with the effort for sure."
Mrazek Sharp in Net
Despite taking the L in Winnipeg, Petr Mrazek had his best outing as a member of the Hurricanes. It wasn't just that he stopped 23 of 25 shots; it was the quality in which he faced, and the saves with which he responded.
In the second period, he denied Nikolaj Ehlers scoring bid on a 2-on-0 rush. That, coming after he pushed across the crease to body down the puck off a shot from Patrik Laine.
Mrazek was a big reason why the Canes likely should have at least earned a point in Winnipeg.
"Mraz played really, really well. Some big saves," Staal said after the game. "He was good tonight."
NHL's Third Star
Sebastian Aho earned third star of the week honors from the NHL after recording three goals and four assists in his last three games.
