The Carolina Hurricanes were defeated 2-1 by the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday. Alexander Nikishin scored his second goal of the season late in the third period, but it was not enough to overcome a two-goal deficit.
The game remained scoreless for the first two periods, with both teams playing tight defense and delivering heavy hits. Boston took the lead early in the third period when Casey Mittelstadt scored off a pass from Charlie McAvoy. Viktor Arvidsson extended the Bruins’ lead five minutes later with a shot that found the top corner.
Carolina responded with a goal from Nikishin at 17:11 in the third period, narrowing Boston’s lead. Despite this effort, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman kept Carolina from scoring again in the final minutes.
Frederik Andersen made 20 saves on 22 shots for Carolina in what was described as a goaltending duel. Nikishin led both teams in time on ice with 24:41 and recorded six hits, tying for most in the game. He is currently second among NHL rookies for total hits this season.
Forward Seth Jarvis returned to play after leaving Thursday’s win due to injury and registered five shots on net during his 17:20 of ice time.
Team captain Jordan Staal commented on Boston’s defensive approach: “They sat back a lot of the game and just waited for their opportunities. Obviously, we didn’t create enough, but we just have to kind of be more aware that there are long times we’re in the offensive zone and they were just kind of flipping them out, taking off, and creating chances off of that. It’s a different style, but it’s still effective, obviously, with the way that third period went. In this league, being down two with 10 minutes left, it’s hard to come back.”
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour noted improvements as the game progressed: “Actually, we got better as the game went on. When we got through the end of the first period, they only had 11 shots on net, and five in the third period, total. We did a lot of good things. The problem is, the two that we gave up, our defensemen got a little too aggressive and got caught. All of a sudden, they get one on a breakaway and one on the odd-man three-on-two because our D just got a little too aggressive and it cost us.”
Staal also discussed goaltending performances: “They were both good. Freddie gave us a chance, and that’s what you want. I don’t think we really tested Swayman enough, like we normally do. He made some key saves when they needed it, for sure.”
Looking ahead to future games and improvement over time Staal said: “Continue pushing and find ways to get better. It’s a long season. It’s a marathon. It’s a process. Whoever we have in the lineup, you want to continue to get better and find ways to grind out wins. Tonight wasn’t the result we wanted. I thought we played pretty solid for the first two (periods). They got a couple of quick ones and that was the end of the game.”
The Hurricanes will have Sunday off before returning to practice Monday ahead of their next game against the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
Next Game: Tuesday, Nov. 4 at NY Rangers | 7:00 p.m. ET | TNT, truTV, HBO Max
Next Home Game: Thursday, Nov. 6 vs Minnesota | 7:00 p.m ET | Women In Sports Celebration
