Carolina Ends Pre-season on a Positive, Defeats Nashville 5-2

The Carolina Hurricanes got contributions from up and down the lineup Saturday night as they defeated the Nashville Predators, 5-2. The win gives the team a 2-2 pre-season record and a two game winning streak heading into the real season. 

The time on the ice for the forwards was about as evenly distributed as you could ask for.  Rod Brind`Amour led the bunch with over 16 minutes while Tim Conboy was low man with 9:10.  Every other player was in double digits.

Jussi Jokinen started the scoring by knocking in his own rebound just 1:13 into the game.  J.P. Dumont tied it up later in the first, but Ray Whitney tipped in a shot by Joe Corvo which put the Canes back up once again with just 13 seconds left in the period.

About five minutes into the second period, Eric Staal knocked one in off Rinne to make it 3-1.  The goal was the third of the preseason for the new dad.  He also has six points and seems poised to start the new season off with a bang.

Nashville scored a powerplay goal later in the second which Chuck Kaiton described as a softie, but Scott Walker would put the game away late in the third as he tucked in a beautiful pass from Staal with less than a minute left.  Last but not least, Tim Conboy scored into an empty net and the Nashville faithful went home disappointed.

• Michael Leighton ended up making 21 saves on 23 shots and played a solid game.
• Jussi Jokinen led the team with four shots on goal while Chad LaRose was right behind with three.
• Jay Harrison had five hits.  Alberts, Wallin, and Ward had three each.
• For the second straight night, Aaron Ward had five blocked shots.  Wallin had four.
• Tim Gleason, Aaron Ward, and Joe Corvo each had two assists.
• Eric Staal had another excellent night in the faceoff circle and won 62% (13 of 21) of his draws.  Brind'Amour was back to his normal self with 64%, (9 of 14).

The Canes will take Sunday off, participate in a charity golf tournament on Monday, and will be back on the ice Tuesday to prepare for opening night against the Flyers.  Friday night it counts!