The Hurricanes kept their recent run of form rolling with a rousing 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins on Saturday.
Carolina (24-13-5) exploded early with two first-period goals before Pittsburgh (20-15-6) clawed back in over the latter two periods. Bryan Rust tied things up in the final minute of regulation, but Brett Pesce sealed the deal by notching his second goal of the night in OT.
“I saw [Teuvo Teravainen] had some room, so I tried to sneak behind him,” Pesce said. “Good things happen when you put the puck on net. Thankfully I got a few bounces tonight.”
Pesce put on a show against the Metro foe, capping off his second career multi-goal game with his 10th career game-winning goal.
“He’s had so many opportunities this year,” said Rod Brind’Amour. “He said it was like he’d been saving them up for the right time. We needed them tonight. He’s always getting opportunities because he knows how to get in there and join the rush or whatever it is. It was nice to see.”
Pesce executed defensively as well with a pair of key blocked shots. Both came back to back in the first period to deny the Penguins of a potentially pivotal first goal, laying the groundwork to ensure Carolina didn’t fall behind.
Pesce succinctly described his methodology of blocking shots.
“Lay down and pray.”
Antti Raanta also put together a highlight-reel performance in net. The veteran goalie outdueled Tristan Jarry as the two white-hot goalies racked up 38 and 35 saves on the night, respectively. Though the Pens made a late push to send the game to OT, Raanta kept his nerve in the extra period allowing his team to eventually score the game-winning goal.
Raanta also kept his nerve amid a tense second period. Pittsburgh ramped up the intensity after falling behind 2-0 to start the night, using every opportunity to get physical and try to get under the Canes’ skin. In Raanta’s case, this involved withstanding not one but two instances of Jake Guentzel straight-up falling on top of him. Though Raanta was shaken up on both occasions, he gutted it out to stay in the game and lead his team to victory.
“In the second period, there was a couple of times where you were full splay and somebody was laying on top of you,” Raanta said. “That’s why you stretch during the nighttime and in the mornings. When you win, you feel great.”
The Canes will continue their six-game homestand on Monday with a special matinee against the Los Angeles Kings. The Hall of Fame Day festivities will feature Justin Williams being inducted into the Hurricanes Hall of Fame. Puck drops against the Kings at 3 p.m. in PNC Arena.