Hurricanes Face Penguins Amid Injuries and Uncertainty to Close Out 2025
So here’s what’s happening right now as the Carolina Hurricanes wrap up their 2025 calendar year with a big road test in Pittsburgh. On December 30, the Hurricanes are stepping into PPG Paints Arena to take on the Penguins, hoping to stretch their momentum and make it three wins in a row. This matchup feels important, not just because it’s the final game of the year, but because of everything swirling around this team at the moment.
Carolina is coming in hot after a gritty 3–2 overtime win against the New York Rangers. What made that victory stand out was how it was earned. The Hurricanes never actually led during regulation, yet the pressure stayed on, the effort didn’t drop, and eventually the game was stolen in overtime. Sebastian Aho played a major role, contributing both a goal and an assist, while Jordan Martinook helped keep things level. Then, in the extra period, Jackson Blake delivered his first-ever NHL overtime winner, sealing a confidence-boosting result. Even special teams chipped in, with the power play continuing a strong stretch, and Brandon Bussi holding firm in net to maintain his impressive early NHL record.
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But while the wins are coming, the injury list is growing. It was confirmed that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is likely out for the rest of the season due to hip surgery, which has forced Carolina’s goaltending situation into a new shape. Frederik Andersen is expected to get the start in Pittsburgh, despite a tough recent run in terms of wins. Still, confidence hasn’t been lost, and it’s been said that his game feels stronger than the numbers suggest. Alongside that, key skaters like Seth Jarvis, Jaccob Slavin, and Shayne Gostisbehere remain sidelined, pushing the Hurricanes to lean heavily on depth and discipline.
On the other side, Pittsburgh enters the night riding the emotional high of a 7–3 win over Chicago. The Penguins have been inconsistent this season, but when they click, they score in bunches. Sidney Crosby continues to defy time, already crossing the 20-goal mark and leading the team in points. Their power play has been deadly, ranking among the best in the Eastern Conference. However, goaltending remains a question mark, as recent changes haven’t yet produced steady results.
As these two teams collide, it feels like a classic contrast. Carolina brings structure, resilience, and recent dominance in this matchup, while Pittsburgh relies on star power and offensive bursts. With injuries, streaks, and pride all in play, this one has the feel of a tense, potentially high-scoring battle to close out the year.
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