3 major takeaways from Carolina Hurricanes' 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning 

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes - Source: Imagn
3 major takeaways from Carolina Hurricanes' 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Carolina Hurricanes lost their home opener to the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 on Friday at PNC Arena.

Nikita Kucherov had a third-period hat trick to put the game away for the Lightning. Brayden Point added the other Tampa goal. Jordan Staal got the Carolina Hurricanes on the board with a first-period marker.

The game was a close, tight-checking affair till the Lightning pulled away in the third with two empty-netters.

Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from Carolina’s 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

3 major takeaways from Carolina Hurricanes' 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning

#3. Vasilevsky outdueled Fredrik Andersen

The game ultimately boiled down to a goaltender’s duel. Both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Fredrik Andersen stood tall. But it was Vasilevskiy who got the win on Friday night, robbing the Canes multiple times throughout the game.

In particular, two sequences stood out. Both times, Vasilevskiy stoned the Carolina Hurricanes on breakaways. First, he robbed Jaccob Slavin in the first period. Then, he again turned away Jack Roslovic in the second.

Meanwhile, Andersen was as cool as a cucumber, keeping pace with Vasilevskiy. But in the end, it was a third-period power play by Kucherov that changed the game’s dynamic. Nevertheless, Andersen played a fantastic game, keeping the Canes close throughout.

#2. The Canes’ defense looked vulnerable throughout the game

The Canes’ defense looked slow and vulnerable at various points throughout the game. The Lightning exploited the Canes’ lack of speed, breaking through the zone and making plays in close. If it hadn’t been for Fredrik Andersen, the game could have been a blowout.

It’s worth pointing out that the Canes pushed Tampa in the second, picking up the pace. However, the Lightning showed their speed, keeping the Canes on their heels.

A good example is the Brayden Point powerplay goal in the first period. The quick puck movement kept the Canes’ penalty killers puck-watching. Point was left alone in front of the net and didn’t miss.

Ultimately, the Canes settled down and kept the game close. But the slow reactions once again surfaced in the third on Kucherov’s power play marker that made the game 2-1.

#1. The penalty kill faltered for the Canes

The 4-1 score did not reflect the game’s true nature. It was more like a 2-1 affair – the two empty-netters sealed the win – with both of the Lightning's goals coming on the power play.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Canes gave up six power play opportunities. That is unacceptable against a team like Tampa Bay. As the score showed, giving too many power play opportunities to a dangerous team is a recipe for disaster.

The Hurricanes will have a few days to regroup as their next contest will be on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

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Edited by Veer Badani
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