The Carolina Hurricanes started the 2024-25 season with a disappointing showing against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, Oct. 11. The 4-1 loss in front of the Caniacs lit a fire up and down the roster, leading Carolina (1-1-0) to a dominant 4-2 win against the New Jersey Devils (4-2-0) on Tuesday night.

Ten different Canes etched their names on the scorecard by the end of 60 minutes of play, including a first NHL goal from rookie right winger Jackson Blake in the third period. Netminder Pyotr Kochetkov got the start between the pipes, his first of the season, looking to improve on his .911 save percentage from last season.

“Last game we left with a little thing in our stomach, we weren’t very happy with that,” Blake said. “Tonight we all played with a chip on our shoulder. I think all four lines, every single defenseman and [Kochetkov] were unreal and I think that’s why we had success.”

The Devils came into the matchup with a hot streak, winning two of its last three games. Right winger Stefan Noesen made his return to the City of Oaks with New Jersey after playing in Raleigh for three seasons, receiving a standing ovation from the fans.

The first period saw a slow start from both benches but halfway through the Canes started to fire off some smart shots. Center Sebastian Aho got a wrap-around chance that Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom blocked with his pad and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere shot off from the blue line that went wide of the net. The back-and-forth first frame ended with no goals and the Canes leading in shots on goal with eight compared to New Jersey’s seven.

“When both teams have a similar playing style it’s going to be like that,” said Gostisbehere. “A little feeling out process, especially in the first. They’re coming off back-to-back [games] so they’re probably a little more tired than we were.”

The scoring opened up less than two minutes into the second frame with a breakaway goal from Devils’ center Jack Hughes. Soon after, Carolina got the first powerplay of the game on an interference call but was unable to execute with the man advantage. Halfway through the period, center Seth Jarvis lit the lamp with a turn-around shot.

Sitting in the center of the Devils’ zone, Jarvis received a pass from right winger Andrei Svechnikov and took it toward center ice for a few seconds. Suddenly, Jarvis pulls a 180-degree turn to face the New Jersey goal and fires off a shot past Markstrom, tying the game 1-1. Jarvis, who signed an 8-year, $59.36 million contract over the offseason, has quickly become a favorite of fans and players in Raleigh.

Gostisbehere was able to get a goal of his own with 35 seconds left in the period. The snipe from the center of Devils’ zone sent the Canes into the second intermission up 2-1. Assisted by center Martin Necas and center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Gostisbehere scored his first goal since returning to the Hurricanes after playing for the team in 2022-23. Kotkaniemi’s assist was his 100th career point with the Canes while skating in his 400th career game.

Carolina started the third period with numerous chances in the Devil’s zone and with Kochetkov making scrappy, clutch saves. The Canes made it a 3-1 game with Blake’s first career goal halfway through the frame. His goal was assisted by defenseman Dimitry Orlov, who tallied his 300th career NHL point. Soon after the goal, Blake was sent to the penalty box on a tripping call and was joined quickly by left winger Jordan Martinook, putting New Jersey up 5-on-3 for over a minute.

“[Head coach Rod Brind’Amour] gave a speech after the game and said 20 years down the road you’re going to remember this,” Blake said. “He still remembers his first goal. It’s something I’ll never forget, it’s a special feeling.”

The Devils made it 3-2 on a goal from center Nico Hischier who scored right next to Kochetkov and close to the crease. There was no room for mistakes for the rest of the Carolina penalty kill and the Canes executed, only allowing three shots on goal during the Devil’s man advantage. Aho finished the matchup off with an empty-net goal to mark his first of the season, with today’s game being his 600th career game, and brought the final score to 4-2.

“There’s a lot of little things that won’t show up on the score sheet tonight, big blocks, big back checks,” Gostisbere said. “Little things that we notice and what makes this system work.”

Carolina will kick off a six-game road trip on Friday, Oct. 18 by traveling to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. in the Iron City.