RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes came out strong on Sunday, March 9, 2025, showcasing their new talents as Mark Jankowski scored two goals, leading the team to a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Logan Stankoven, also making his debut, contributed with one goal, and Seth Jarvis rounded out the scoring for the Hurricanes, who celebrated their fourth consecutive win.
Frederik Andersen put on a solid display, stopping 20 shots to secure the victory for Carolina. The Jets responded with goals from Alex Iafallo and Adam Lowry, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hurricanes’ offensive prowess. Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg goalie, recorded 23 saves throughout the game.
This matchup was significant for both teams, especially for the Hurricanes, as it marked their first game following the NHL trade deadline on Friday, March 7. On this day, the Hurricanes made headlines by trading for Stankoven from Dallas, as part of the deal sending star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Stars just six weeks after acquiring him from Colorado. They also added Jankowski from Nashville, who made his impact known immediately.
Jankowski, playing his first game for Carolina, didn't take long to show why he was brought on board, netting his first goal with the team at 1:55 of the first period. Swiftly skating through the right circle, he unleashed a shot past Hellebuyck’s glove side to initiate the scoring.
"I was a little shocked at first," Jankowski noted after the game about his trade, saying, "I was at my apartment hanging out with friends when I got the call." The 6-foot-4 forward, wearing number 77, had previously played 41 games for the Predators this season and managed four goals and five assists. His effort on Sunday proved he could step up as the Hurricanes prepare for their playoff push.
The Hurricanes continued to build on their momentum; Jankowski found the back of the net again 5:21 seconds to double the lead to 2-0. He battled hard for positioning around the crease, forcing the puck past Hellebuyck after it deflected off the post. Jankowski’s two-goal performance was his first multi-goal game since February 13, 2020.
Stankoven, acquired for Rantanen, showcased his skills with 2:34 left in the game, tipping Shayne Gostisbehere’s shot to give Carolina a commanding 3-0 lead. “It was awesome,” Stankoven expressed about his first game. “It was exciting and definitely one I’ll never forget,” he continued, reflecting on how quickly he could adapt to his new surroundings.
Entering the third period, the Hurricanes held strong through the Jets' pressing offense until late-game goals by Iafallo and Lowry brought Winnipeg back within two. Iafallo finally broke Andersen's shutout by scoring with 3:46 remaining, and Lowry added another goal following Andersen's unfortunate turnover, leaving the final score at 4-2.
The home team faced the extra challenge of two power plays during the match, including one double minor as Jesperi Kotkaniemi suffered after taking a stick to the face early on. Despite not capitalizing on those opportunities, it was clear the Hurricanes were improving, thanks to solid contributions from their newcomers as well as the remaining players. Seth Jarvis added the final empty-net goal to stabilize the scoreline, marking his 25th of the season.
Defensively, Carolina had to cope without Dmitry Orlov due to injury, but they welcomed Scott Morrow back from the AHL. Morrow helped set up Jankowski’s first goal, earning his first NHL point with the neat assist.
The victory improved the Hurricanes' record to 38-22-4, and they are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, March 11, for another challenging encounter. The Jets, holding the best record overall at 44-17-4, will host the New York Rangers the same night.
With the playoffs on the horizon, this game served as an exciting glimpse of what the Hurricanes' new roster can achieve together on the ice.