Game 10 of 82: Two Wins Streaks Are On The Line In This Metropolitan Division Showdown

The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes both enter their first matchup of the season on hot streaks. The Rangers have won five in a row and the Canes have won three. One of those streaks will end tonight, which will it be?

The confidence is at an all-time high right now for the New York Rangers as they return home from a perfect five-game road trip. Tonight, they welcome in one of Peter Laviolette's former teams, the Carolina Hurricanes, who have become a divisional rival over the past few seasons. 

Matchup History:

The Rangers and Hurricanes always duke it out during the regular season, but last season it was all New York. The Rangers took three out of the four meetings between the two teams last season, while outscoring the Canes by a combined 15-9. The highlight of these matchups was Artemi Panarin's four-goal game in Carolina on February 11th. 

Rocky Start For The Hurricanes:

Despite winning three games in a row, the Carolina Hurricanes have had an uncharacteristic start to their season. 

Since the 2020-21 season, the Hurricanes have been a top five team in the NHL as far as goals against goes. Last season they finished 2nd, allowing 2.56 goals against, but right now, they're ranked as the fifth-worst defensive team in the league, giving up 3.70 goals against per game. 

With that said, they have only allowed four goals in their last three games, so it's safe to assume that Rod Brind'Amour has gotten his guys to tighten up defensively. 

Slowing Down The Second Line:

Carolina's second line which consists of Michael Bunting, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Teuvo Teravainen, who have been playing very well in the teams last five games. In this span, Bunting has scored 2 goals with 2 assists, Kotkaniemi has tallied 2 goals with 3 assists, and Teravainen has potted home 4 goals of his own. 

*Teravainen is currently tied for 3rd in the NHL with 8 goals. 

Rangers Power Play Continues To Buzz:

The New York Rangers have converted on the power play in 8 of their 9 games played. Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin are 4th and 5th amongst the league in power play points. Fox has 9 (3 goals, 6 assists) and Panarin has 8 (1 goal, 7 assists). 

As a team, the Rangers have the leagues second-best man-advantage unit converting at 34.4%. 

Carolina's penalty kill has been weak thus far, currently sitting at 23rd in the NHL at 75%. 

I will have more information on starting goaltenders and lineups after today's morning skate.