RECAP

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes cemented their place in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday, knocking off the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1 at Lenovo Center.

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Setting the tone with a downright dominant first period, the Canes scored three goals while limiting Columbus to just two shots on net. Logan Stankoven had the hot stick to start, tallying twice in a span of 6:25 to open up a two-goal lead for his club.

A Columbus power play in the back half of the period opened a window for the visitors to climb back into the contest, but Alexander Nikishin's first career shorthanded goal quickly dulled any momentum and expanded the Canes' lead to three.

When the Blue Jackets eventually got on the board just past the midway point of the second period, Carolina again stymied their charge, responding just 13 seconds later with a seeing-eye shot from Jordan Martinook that took a friendly bounce past goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.

With their three-goal advantage restored, the Hurricanes tacked on one more in the third period for good measure. Andrei Svechnikov hammered home the team's 12th power-play goal in the last eight games, punctuating some slick passing with Sebastian Aho and Shayne Gostisbehere.

Frederik Andersen returned to winning ways between the pipes, stopping nine of Columbus' 10 shots for his first victory in three starts.

CBJ at CAR | Recap

Stats & Standouts

  • Logan Stankoven recorded his first regular-season multi-goal game as a Hurricane, finding twine for the second straight game. Now with a career-high 17 goals on the season, his 36 points sit two shy of matching last season's total.
  • Andrei Svechnikov also extended his goal streak, finding twine for the third straight game. All three tallies came on the man advantage, matching the league's longest streak of games with a power-play goal by any player this season.
  • The Canes have now scored a power-play goal in eight straight games, tying the second-longest streak in team history (since relocation). The longest is 14 games, set in 2005-06.
  • Alexander Nikishin scored the franchise's first-ever shorthanded goal by a rookie defenseman, and the first by a rookie skater since Sebastian Aho in 2016-17.
  • With his 30th point of the season, Nikishin also matched Jamie McBain (2010-11) and Chris Pronger (1993-94) for the second-most points by a first-year blueliner in franchise history. Only Brad Shaw (35, 1989-90) produced more.
  • Sebastian Aho extended his point streak to four games with a pair of helpers, becoming the third player in franchise history to record 400 assists with the team.
  • Taylor Hall also posted two assists, doing so for the second time in the last four contests and reaching 10 multi-point games in a season for the 10th time in his career.
  • Jordan Staal skated in his 1,400th career game on Thursday, becoming the 46th player in NHL history to reach that benchmark. With 969 GP as a Hurricane, Staal ranks second all-time in games played with the franchise, trailing only Ron Francis (1,186).
  • The Hurricanes tied a franchise record for their fewest shots allowed in a game, conceding just 10 to the Blue Jackets in their stingiest showing since March 26, 2007, against Washington.
  • Carolina has now qualified for postseason play in eight consecutive seasons, establishing a new franchise record (prev. 1986-1992 as HFD).

They Said It...

Sebastian Aho giving his analysis of the victory...

"Really good start. We definitely started on time got the lead, and that was pretty much the game, right? We kind of never let them come back. It was a good game. Obviously, two big points to be able to clinch. That's great too."

Rod Brind'Amour talking about the team's stellar defensive performance...

“It’s all about what you give up. We had a really solid start. I think that once we got up by three, the game got a little iffy, but I like that we limited — for the most part — their opportunities. There certainly were a few that they could have capitalized on, but overall, I thought that part of the game was fairly good.”

Frederik Andersen discussing the admirable effort in front of him...

"It was pretty impressive the way we came out, just dominating pretty much the whole game. From start to finish. Obviously, they came out pretty strong to start the second, but we kind of wrote it off and got right back on it. That was pretty cool to see the way we got right back on it. It was pretty cool to see the way everyone bought in and didn't really think about anything but the next shift, putting it on them, and making it hard for them."

Logan Stankoven reflecting on his two-goal night...

"When you have tons of chances and they don't go in, it's a little frustrating. But on a night like this, it's nice to see the bounces go my way for once. I haven't changed anything, I think our line is still playing great, creating chances, and trying to be relentless on pucks. It's nice to see a couple go in."

Rod Brind'Amour on locking up a playoff spot for the eighth consecutive year...

“It’s a huge accomplishment. It gets watered down because from the start of training camp, everyone’s talking about playoffs. I know how hard it is to accomplish (making the playoffs). You have to be good for six months. You can’t not be. You see what’s going on in this conference. It takes 100 points to make the playoffs. (Making the playoffs) is not our goal. We all know that it’s nobody’s goal, but you can’t get to that next phase if you don’t play well for six months, which is harder than playing well for two months. It’s not as important, those two months are the most important that we’re going to get to play in, but you have to get there. To put the mental and physical grind in every day to do that, it’s a huge accomplishment.”

Frederik Andersen talking about his postseason-bound team...

"I think we have a lot of individual talent and a lot of good players, but I think what makes us special is the group. I think it shows, throughout the whole year. We play in and out, helping each other out..."

Rod Brind'Amour continuing on punching a ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs...

“It’s a huge accomplishment and the guys should be proud of that. I wish they could feel better about it. I remember the days when we made the playoffs and how exciting that was. That was just amazing, and now it’s just kind of an afterthought. But that’s also because we raised the expectations around here. But like I said, you can’t get a chance to do that if you don’t play well for six months. I give the guys a lot of credit for that. We know we’re turning the page. We’re going to finish out the year hard and get across the finish line the best that we can, and then look forward to an opportunity to win the whole thing.”

Rod Brind'Amour Postgame Quotes

What's Next?

The Canes are off on Friday. They'll return to game action on Saturday, hosting the New York Islanders at Lenovo Center.

Next Game: Saturday, April 4 vs. NY Islanders | 7:00 p.m. ET | FDSNSO | Tickets | Parking

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