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In a thrilling back-and-forth contest on the final night of the regular season, the Columbus Blue Jackets outlasted the Carolina Hurricanes in a 6-5 victory. The game featured six lead changes, incredible individual performances, and a dramatic finish that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
NHL Highlights Hurricanes vs Blue. April 16, 2024
Youngster Steps Up Early:
The Hurricanes dominated the opening power play but failed to convert. As the penalty expired, rookie Luca Dell Bel-Belo, fresh out of the penalty box, surprised everyone by netting his first NHL goal, giving the Blue Jackets a surprising early lead.
Carolina Responds, But Jackets Keep Pace:
Shanahan responded quickly for Carolina with his own goal shortly after, showcasing the depth of the Hurricanes’ roster. However, the Blue Jackets remained resilient. A beautiful pass from Zac Rinaldo set up Grigorenko for a goal, putting Columbus back in front.
Goals Galore and Momentum Shifts:
The game continued to be a high-scoring affair. Carolina answered with a quick goal from Teuvo Teräväinen, followed by a power-play goal from Justin Faulk. However, the Blue Jackets refused to back down. A creative play from Mathieu Olivier ended with Alexandre Malatesta tapping the puck in, and a powerful shot from Johnny Gaudreau put Columbus ahead once again.
Late Drama and Blue Jackets Hold On:
The final period proved to be just as exciting. Johnny Gaudreau capitalized on a defensive lapse by Carolina, extending the Blue Jackets’ lead. The Hurricanes pushed back with relentless pressure, but Spencer Martin made several key saves to preserve the lead. Finally, with seconds remaining, Neil Pionk secured the win for Columbus with an empty-net goal.
Record-Breaking Night for Rinaldo:
Defenseman Zac Rinaldo had a night to remember, contributing two goals and two assists, tying the franchise record for most points by a defenseman in a single season (previously held by Seth Jones).
A Night to Remember:
This victory capped off a memorable season for the Blue Jackets. Despite missing several key players due to injury, they displayed grit and determination throughout the game, showcasing the depth and resilience of their roster. The fans at Nationwide Arena were treated to an offensive spectacle and a thrilling finish, making it a night to remember for Columbus hockey.
