Carolina was looking like they'd be picking up a tough loss in a shutout, and in a matter of minutes, their fortunes changed in a 2-1 overtime victory over Columbus. The Hurricanes were down 1-0 until there were less than five minutes left in the game. Jeff Skinner (57 pts) finally prevailed with a goal to tie things up, then later fished an assist to aid in the game-winning goal. The Blue Jackets were outshot 31-24 in the game and also lost on faceoffs 28-27. They took a hit on their quest to get the President's Trophy.
Skinner delivers again for Hurricanes
It was a miracle victory for Carolina who now sit at 84 points in the Eastern Conference. They're still four points behind Boston for the second wild card spot, but they're still alive and kicking with six games remaining. After Skinner had put the puck in the back of the net for the Hurricanes, he dished it off to Noah Hanifin (25 pts), who picked up his fourth goal of the season. He now has five points in the last nine games (four other assists).
Skinner himself now has 12 points in the last nine games. It's been a brilliant stretch for the Hurricanes who has also won seven of those contests. Goalie Cam Ward moves up to 26-20-11 on the season with 23 saves.
Blue Jackets falter at the end
columbus had to feel sick after giving up a game they were just minutes away from taking. The lone goal was scored at the 16:25 mark in the second period. Defender Jack Johnson (21 pts) put in his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Scott Hartnell and Sam Gagner. Those were the first points for Johnson since getting an assist against New Jersey on March 19th.
Gagner (46 pts) collected his 28th assist but has been slightly cold as of late with just two assists and a goal in his last nine games. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo picked up his fourth loss of the season (6-4-1) with 29 saves. The Blue Jackets are now four points behind the Washington Capitals for the Metropolitan division crown and the President's Trophy.
Columbus returns to the ice on Friday to take on Chicago. The Hurricanes will have a day off and then take in Dallas on Saturday.
