The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 Monday night at PNC Arena.
It was an offensive outpouring for Carolina who got goals from Michael Bunting, Martin Necas, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Sebastian Aho, Brent Burns and Jordan Martinook.
Spencer Martin made his second straight start and first at PNC Arena, stopping 14 of 17 in the win.
After the game, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour along with Martin, Aho and Kotkaniemi spoke with the media. Here's what they had to say:
Rod Brind'Amour
On killing off the early 5-on-3: I kind of almost forgot about that, but that was probably a crucial part of the game. We had a great first period and if they scored there, it would have all been for naught. That was a big part of the game.
On the team's winning streak: It's been good. Tonight was good because I thought for two periods, we played really well. I was worried about our start with the long travel and everything, but I thought we did a real nice job tonight.
On Spencer Martin: His two starts previously on the road where real tough and he did a phenomenal job and then tonight, early, there were a couple of breakaways. Just at real key points of the game he had some big saves. He's been great and a heck of an addition.
On Jalen Chatfield's status: He took that hit the other night and just didn't quite feel right. Like he could have maybe played but we're in the situation where if guys aren't quite right, they're not going to go. It's easy to just give him the night off.
On facing Connor Bedard: Very dynamic. I thought we did a nice job on him, actually, but he still gets on the scoresheet. Just one of those guys who's going to be a heck of a player in this league for a long time. Super skilled and knows how to get his ice and knows how to find his teammates. Whoever gets to play with him is going to be very fortunate.
On Sebastian Aho: You never know when a kid comes in. I think you knew he was going to be a hard worker and everything, but you never know. He's elevated his game over the years, but I think the key word is consistency. That's what we're asking our guys to be.
On Jesperi Kotkaniemi getting a goal for the first time in nearly two months: We need everyone to, not even be on the scoresheet, but just playing to their abilities. That line got us one the other night and then again tonight, so if we can get that, it's going to be huge for us.
On deciding which lines get which assignments: There's a lot that goes into it. Not to give too many secrets away there, but usually [Staal] gets the toughest matchups and then that opens it up maybe for [Aho] to have a little less of one at home. Now, depending on how our lines are structured, we have it a little bit different now so they both can play. It all depends on how you go into the game and who you think is their number one line.
Spencer Martin
On playing at PNC Arena: It's a great feeling, but I still feel like I have a lot to prove and I just really enjoy playing with these guys and we'll keep going.
On the 5-on-3 penalty kill: I think it's just an opportunity to get a big kill and go from there. We obviously don't want a 5-on-3 to get warmed up, but they only had about one or two chances from the outside and we went from there.
On the team's support: We had the run support, but it wasn't even just that. The way we were playing was sound in front of me, so it was easy to read.
On playing in Raleigh: It was fantastic. The crowd was loud and the first couple of saves on the penalty kill, they really went nuts. It was a pretty cool feeling.
On how his situation has been: It's been a special opportunity to play with a team like this. They're obviously really talented, but the way they have brought me into this locker room is really building my confidence as well.
On how the defense helps complement his game: I think it will help anybody's game as a goalie for them to play that well, but it's just really predictable. I have a lot of confidence in my guys when I'm making the first save that that will be it.
Sebastian Aho
On the win: Solid win. Just up and through the lineup it was pretty solid. A good start and obviously we got a good lead and that was pretty much the game.
On the 5-on-3 penalty kill: Actually, now that you mention it, I had already forgotten about that, but it was a good start and then a couple of penalties. Obviously a big kill there and after that we were able to take over.
On if he was surprised how much time and space he had on his goal: I don't know. I guess. It happens so fast so you really don't think about anything. You just see open ice. I was thinking about wrapping it and I ended up holding onto it and I got a little space there and put it in.
On Connor Bedard: He's very quick, skilled. He has an elite release. He's for sure going to be a very good player in this league.
On reverse hitting Bedard: That was him? It was just how the play went. It's not like I was hunting him down or anything like that.
On Spencer Martin: Unreal. He's played three games now and he's just been ready whenever we've needed him. Obviously he's been a big part of all three of his wins and I'm just happy for him.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
On breaking his goal drought: It felt good. It's been a while. The first goal this year.
On not letting the lack of production get to himself: I just try to think in a more simple way. Do the little things. I felt like the goals were going to come as long as I worked hard and do the simple things right.
On what it means to play simple: I think it's just our system, you know? We don't do anything that fancy. Sounds boring, but get the puck deep and get after it and crash the net. Good things are going to come from that.
On the All-Star break being a good mental reset: Yeah, I had a good time in Mexico with Jarvis. It's always nice to get a little reset, especially when it gets rough at some points.
On his goal: You know, I had to make sure the crowd gets the best of it.