Teammates congratulate Brandon Sutter (16) of the Carolina Hurricanes after scoring his second goal to give the Canes a 4-2 lead over the Minnesota Wild. MATTI MATIKAINEN - NHLI/Getty Images
Brandon Sutter had a pair of goals, and Jussi Jokinen a goal and assist today as the Hurricanes edged the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in the season-opener in the NHL Premiere at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki.
Goals by Anton Babchuk, Jokinen and Sutter in the second period pushed the Canes ahead 4-2. The Wild pulled within 4-3 late in the third but Cam Ward (26 saves) and the Canes held on.
"For our first game out, our first game in Europe, the first game for two players and four others who had not played a lot, I'm pretty pleased with the result," Canes coach Paul Maurice said.
After a 1-1 first period, Babchuk gave the Canes 2-1 lead with a backhander at 5:58 of the second. Matt Cullen's power-play goal tied it 2-2 for the Wild, but a pair of Minnesota penalties -- the second a slash against Cullen -- gave the Canes a 5-on-3 advantage and Jokinen scored for a 3-2 lead.
Jokinen, playing before a host of friends and kin, attempted a centering pass to Eric Staal, only to have the puck elude Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom, another native Finn.
"I was just trying to get the puck to Eric in front of the net," Jokinen said. "I think I was a little lucky there."
Sutter, who was named the game's first star, then scored his second goal of the game at 18:03 off the rush. Pat Dwyer got off a shot from the right wing and Sutter scored crashing the net as the puck glanced off his skate.
"I think I took a swing at it and missed it," Sutter said. "It went off my skate and squeaked by the line. I'll take it.
"I went to the net a couple of times and there were a couple of good plays other guys made. I got a couple of greasy ones but that's fine by me."
Sutter's first goal came on the power play with nine seconds left in the first period after Dwyer drew an interference penalty on Cam Barker in the Wild's zone. Jussi Jokinen and Jamie McBain had assists on the Canes' first goal of the season.
"I thought we looked like a team in the first period that was a little nervous and looked like a team that had played on an Olympic-sized sheet the game before (in exhibition game in Russia)," Maurice said. "We settled down pretty well and played a good second. We're still learning how to handle two-goal leads in the third."
The Wild struck early in the game when Guillaume Latendresse was unchecked in the low slot and whipped a shot past Ward.
"I don't know that we necessarily got the start we wanted," Sutter said. "They played pretty good in the first period. We got some goals in the second and that gave us momentum for the third. Offensively we were good, moving around."
The Canes won despite going 33-52 on draws, an area they will need to continue to address.They did win three critical faceoffs late in the third.
"I was pretty nervous in the third," Jokinen said. "It's a special feeling to play in Finland, but to get that first win is a big thing for this team."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
When was the last time?
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 23:31 — beer210Does anyone remember the last time this team won on opening day/night? Its been a while. They beat the Rangers in ther opener in 2001. Today was just the Hurricanes 3rd game one win (they've also started the season with 2 ties). I'd say things are looking up!
Sutter again the best player on the ice. Even though O'Sullivan and Skinner were kept off the score sheet, both show signs of having a lot of pop. Babchuk looked like a defensive liability at times, but if he keeps getting pucks and himself to the net, we'll take it. His goal today was a "goal scorers goal". Not many players have the poise or confidence to get the puck in the slot and kick it from their skates to stick and lift it with the backhand without making somekind of time wasting move to get it to their forehand. While not quite "stealing a win", Ward was really good, and seemed to frustrate the Wild. I'll bet they'll take a few runs at him in the first period tomorrow.
game tonight
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 18:29 — louis12580I was one of many 'Canes fans in attendance tonight. Great experience. Team got off to a sluggish start, as did the Wild. Was nice to see us actually scoring in the last minute of a period. I found that Sutter was our best player tonight. The only concern, yes it is only one game in and I'm sure the problem will be addressed, was that we were runnung around in our own end most of the third period. As a result we took two penalties, the second of which gave the Wild a chance at the end. I look forward to tomorrow nights encounter as there will be a bit more of a physical edge to the game. Tonight was a bit of a feeling out process.
Introspective analysis
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 16:26 — BiggumsI was personally very impressed with the fact that the Hurricanes scored four goals, while at the same time limiting the Wild to only two goals.
If this was Facetube . . .
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 23:17 — beer210. . . I'd click on "Like"
Despite the few defensive
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 16:03 — Shutyour5holeDespite the few defensive lapses.. I like our D forcing the play.
2-5 on the power play is very acceptable. Dump-n-Chase will work just fine if they use their speed.. don't have the size to skate it over the blue line. Get it deep, then kick it out to the point man and crash the net.
A good start
Right now, I'm not
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 15:37 — wxray1Right now, I'm not complaining. Yes, it wasn't perfect. But it is about time this team wins the first game of a season. Heck, 'bout time they actually scored some goals. By comparison, it took until the 4th game last year last year for them to reach the 4th goal mark.
We'll take the W ,but...
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 15:26 — hellfishGreat game ,but P.M. is gonna have to try different combinations on the power play...we were AWFUL keeping the puck in the Off.-zone and getting set up for a GOOD shot...dump & chase on the power play ain't gonna cut-it...we'll take the win though ,but some line tinkering is in order...To many set-up guy's and no goal scorer's.
"Sometimes you have to make some people mad to get to the top"
Little Black Stormcloud
Thu, 10/07/2010 - 23:16 — beer210Wow your just a little ray of sunshine aren't you? 1 game, 1 win, and 2 power play goals, and your bitching about the PP. I doubt you'll say many smooth moving PPs at this time of year from any team, much less one that's been in Europe for a week. With the skill on this team it'll come.