In Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes won their 10th straight game on Friday to set a new franchise record in a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers.
Raanta made 19 saves for the shutout win.
“I think we were able to carry over a little bit of something from the last game against Chicago,” Raanta said. “When the game started today, you just felt like you’re in there. Even though there were not many shots in the first period (3), you were able to get into the game nicely.”
The Canes improved to 24-6-6.
“We haven’t had one of those really all year where we capitalized on the power play,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “The penalty kill was good too, so special teams won us the game. That’s the game now. You’ve got to have that clicking because it wins you games.
“I think we’ve been solid this whole stretch and, to be honest with you, the whole year. What I’ve really liked about this stretch is we haven’t had any dips in our game.”
Stefan Noesen scored on the power play in the first period to give the Canes all the offense they would need in a 1-0 lead.
“That’s big, especially at home to get the crowd going right away,” Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi said. “It’s good to get the confidence going. All teams need that.”
Carolina improved to 24-6-6.
In the middle frame, Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen hit off the power play to give the Canes a 3-0 lead.
The Panthers dropped to 16-17-4.
“They play a hard gap game,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said. “They don’t give you a whole lot of easy ice, so there’s not a lot of inside plays. But we tried to find them.”
Kotkaniemi scored in the third for the 4-0 final.
Spencer Knight made 30 saves in the loss.
“Special teams obviously played a pretty large role,” Panthers forward Eric Staal said. “They were good, and we need to be better in that area. It was a tough night for us.”
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