A younger Carolina Hurricanes squad narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-5 in a preseason game on Friday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The Hurricanes faced an early 2-0 deficit after two goals from Tampa’s Zemgus Girgensons, but responded late in the first period when Kevin Labanc set up Givani Smith for a close-range goal.
The second period saw only one goal, with Wojciech Stachowiak extending Tampa’s lead. In the third period, both teams combined for six goals. Tampa built its largest lead early in the frame, but Carolina answered with quick goals from Gleb Trikozov and Jesperi Kotkaniemi within 50 seconds to narrow the gap. After another goal by Stachowiak and a power-play tally by Tampa made it 6-4, Noel Gunler redirected a shot for Carolina before Bradly Nadeau scored at 19:48 to bring the Hurricanes within one.
Despite their efforts, Carolina could not find an equalizer before time expired. Amir Miftakhov started his first preseason game for Carolina and stopped 22 of 28 shots over the full contest.
Three players—William Carrier, Bryce Montgomery, and Gleb Trikozov—made their Hurricanes preseason debuts during the match. Kevin Labanc, Bradly Nadeau, and Givani Smith appeared in their third consecutive exhibition games. Nadeau and Smith each recorded one goal and one assist; Joel Nystrom and Justin Robidas both contributed two assists.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored his second goal in as many exhibition games but left late in the third period after taking a high stick to the face and did not return.
Tyson Jost led all Hurricanes skaters with 22:04 of ice time. Alexander Nikishin played 21:49 to pace Carolina’s defensemen.
The Hurricanes will return to Raleigh following Friday’s game and are scheduled to play their final home preseason matchup against Nashville on Sunday.
The team is also promoting an Opening Night giveaway on October 9 in Raleigh that features a Strutting Stormy hat for fans attending hockey’s return.
