Recap: Canes, Raanta Shut Out Colorado, 2-0

RALEIGH, NC. -Antti Raanta and the Carolina Hurricanes held the league's top team without a goal Thursday, shutting out the Colorado Avalanche in 2-0 fashion.

Three Things:
1) Tonight's Game Was As Good As Advertised
Carolina dominated the first period, Colorado controlled the second and the teams each had their fair share of opportunities in the third. The contest went into the final 20 minutes tied and provided an entertaining evening from start to finish for all who either attended or watched.
Rod Brind'Amour said post-game that he felt the game was certainly exciting despite just the two goals, as the speed and skill of both sides was on display throughout.
Additionally featuring two strong goaltending performances, there were certainly many that left tonight's game that would be more than pleased if the two met again in the postseason.

2) Take A Bow, Mr. Raanta
With Frederik Andersen still unable to play due to his day-to-day injury, Raanta made his third consecutive for the first time this season.
Dialed in from start to finish, the 32-year-old Finn took his big opportunity and ran with it, turning away all 36 shots faced for his second shutout of the campaign. Including a 17-save second period, the backstop looked noticeably strong throughout, forced to make crucial stops against the Western Conference's most potent offense.

3) Points In 12 Straight On Home Ice
Another fantastic PNC Arena crowd understood the magnitude of tonight's matchup and put some wind in the sails of their Metropolitan-leading group.
Engaged throughout, Caniacs watched as their team earned at least a point for the 12th straight home game (11-0-1). This now ties the second-longest home point streak in franchise history, the first time since 2009 that a team has gone a dozen games without a regulation defeat.
Next up? The 2005-06 group, who went 14-0-1 during a stretch in their special season.
What They Said:
Rod Brind'Amourwhen asked if he was pleased with his group's effort tonight:
"Pretty hard not to be. It was a great first period, we did everything we had to do. They're a great team, and so they were great in the second period. The third period was even and we got the one that put it away. I thought it was pretty even all around and kind of what you'd expect between these two teams."
Antti Raanta'sopening remarks after his second shutout of the season:
"It feels great, but I couldn't do it without the guys in front of me. A bunch of pucks were coming to the net and a couple of times I could've controlled them better, but that's hockey and rebounds happen. That's why you have the defensemen there to play the puck. The first and third were definitely our best periods. The second period got a bit out of hand, but we still managed to hold them off the score sheet and we gave ourselves a chance to get the win in the third. Obviously it's a great feeling."
Ethan Bearon his third period, game-winning goal:
"In a tight game like that, you never know what could happen. You just have to get it to the net and keep it simple. You get those lucky bounces every once in a while when you're working hard and you're playing the right way."
What's Next?:
The Canes are scheduled to hold a limited practice Friday afternoon. They'll then turn their attention to a home-road weekend back-to-back, featuring Philadelphia at PNC Arena Saturday and then a Sunday matinee in Pittsburgh.
Bonus Notes:
Worth A Click:
CanesCast Episode 204: Chemistry Lesson
Hurricanes March Schedule