National Hockey League
Carolina 4, Chicago 3
When: 8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Referees: Marc Joannette, Kyle Rehman
Linesmen: Brad Kovachik, Bevan Mills
Attendance: 16449

Derek Stepan tallied a goal and an assist and Andrei Svechnikov contributed two assists as the visiting Carolina Hurricanes rallied for a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, stretching their season-opening winning streak to nine games.

After falling behind 3-1 with 11:36 remaining in the second period, the Hurricanes responded with three unanswered goals. Martin Necas netted the game-winner for Carolina at 3:26 of the third period, sneaking one past Chicago goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who allowed the puck to trickle out of his control.

Carolina killed three penalties after the go-ahead goal, including a four-minute high-sticking double-minor against Ethan Bear with 5:26 to go. Chicago was limited to an 0-for-5 showing on the power play overall. The Hurricanes outshot the Blackhawks 32-30. Frederik Anderson made 27 saves for Carolina en route to his eighth victory.

Alex DeBrincat scored twice and Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist for Chicago. Kane has collected six points over the past two contests after a four-game absence due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.

DeBrincat opened the scoring just 1:35 into the game, gathering a saucer pass from Kane and splitting the Carolina defense before beating Anderson with a wrist shot from the slot.

The advantage lasted less than five minutes, however, as Stepan scored moments after a Hurricanes faceoff win in their offensive zone.

Kane and DeBrincat scored in a span of 5:35 early in the second period to push the Blackhawks' advantage to 3-1. The Hurricanes trimmed the deficit to one goal at 12:50 on rookie Seth Jarvis' first career goal. Carolina knotted things at 3-all just 17 seconds into the third period as Jesper Fast surged through the middle to beat Fleury following a Chicago turnover.

The hottest start to a season in Hurricanes franchise history included a 6-3 home victory against the Blackhawks on Friday.

Carolina grabbed a 4-2 lead after the opening period as Chicago struggled to mount a counterattack without Kane in the lineup.

Chicago is set to visit Central Division rival Winnipeg on Friday before opening a three-game homestand Sunday.

The Hurricanes are slated to continue a three-game road trip Saturday as they visit Florida.

--Field Level Media

Top Game Performances
 
Carolina   Chicago
Derek Stepan 2 Points Alex DeBrincat 2
Derek Stepan 1 Goals Alex DeBrincat 2
Andrei Svechnikov 2 Assists Patrick Kane 1
N/A Power Play Goals N/A
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Frederik Andersen .900 Save Percentage Marc-Andre Fleury .875
Frederik Andersen 27 Saves Marc-Andre Fleury 28
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Carolina 32 4 0-2 5-5 10 26
Chicago 30 3 0-5 2-2 4 29
Upcoming Games
  • Chicago will play their next game on the road against Winnipeg. The Blackhawks have a W/L % of .000 after a win and .111 after a loss.
  • Carolina will play their next game on the road against Florida. The Hurricanes have a W/L % of 1.000 after a win and 1.000 after a loss.