Oct 21, 2026 3:31 PM
Carolina's veteran enforcer showcased unexpected offensive touch in Vancouver, burying two crucial goals to prove he can offer far more than just locker room vibes and heavy hitting.
Nicolas Deslauriers' job isn't to score goals.
The 6-foot-1, 218 pound pugilist is with the Carolina Hurricanes 1) for his physical prowess and 2) because he's become a sort of vibes commander in the locker room.
'"D-Lo" quickly became a beloved teammate and that swift bond is a big reason too why he was re-signed to a two-year deal over the summer.
However, Tuesday night in Vancouver, Deslauriers proved he's not just some vanity addition.
Not only did Deslauriers score his first goal as a Hurricane (and first goal since April 13, 2025), but he actually scored twice, including the eventual game winner (his first one of those since March 21, 2022).
"I don't expect to score goals," Deslauriers said postgame. "It's fun when it happens, but I know what my job is. I'm not going to deviate with me scoring two goals and thinking I have to score goals now. That's not my job, but it's fun."
Deslauriers first goal too was a very nice display of his hands, picking up a loose puck in front and outwaiting Canucks goalie Leevi Merilainen and sniping one over the shortside shoulder.
"He's just a character player," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Not really known for pucks in the net, but a couple nice ones. The first one especially. You root for guys like that to get a little recognition on the other end of things because they do a lot of the heavy lifting. Nice to see that happen tonight."
Deslauriers hasn't had many multigoal games in his career either, but funny enough, of the five he's had, three have come in Vancouver.
"I should play them more often, I should play here more often," Deslauriers said with a laugh.
The 35-year-old forward has been thrust into the everyday lineup due to Carolina's growing injury list and he's continuing to make the most of his opportunity.
Deslauriers has three points in the last two games now and, on the year, he has 19 hits and has already gotten into a fight.
"Seeing a guy like [Deslauriers], who's always in a great mood, works hard, score is incredible," said Nikolaj Ehlers, who also scored twice in the win.
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