The Carolina Hurricanes clinched their eighth consecutive playoff berth with a dominant 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to the Associated Press. Logan Stankoven led the charge with two goals in the opening nine minutes.
The Metropolitan Division leaders got everything working early. Stankoven deflected home Carolina’s first shot just 2:27 into the game, then tapped in a loose puck in the crease at 8:52 for his 17th goal of the season.
Alexander Nikishin made franchise history by becoming the first rookie defenseman to score a short-handed goal.
By the end of the first period, Carolina had outscored Columbus 3-2. That’s three goals to two shots.
Jordan Martinook and Andrei Svechnikov added goals for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall and Sebastian Aho each contributed two assists, while Frederik Andersen made nine saves on just 10 shots.
The 10 shots allowed matched the fewest in franchise history.
Denton Mateychuk scored Columbus’s lone goal with 8:36 remaining in the second period. But Jordan Martinook answered just 13 seconds later, sending a shot on net from inside the blue line.
The Blue Jackets remain winless over their last five games with an 0-4-1 record. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 16 shots in the loss.
This marked the third meeting between these teams in less than 2½ weeks. Stankoven had one goal when Carolina won 5-2 on Tuesday night at Columbus.
Playoff Streak Continues
The Hurricanes have qualified for the playoffs in each season under coach Rod Brind’Amour, the former team captain. They’re now 3-1 in their last four games.
Jordan Staal reached a career milestone by playing in his 1,400th game.
What’s Next
The Blue Jackets return home Saturday to face Winnipeg, while the Hurricanes host the New York Islanders on Saturday.
