In a thrilling showdown on January 11, 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, thanks to Jaccob Slavin's pivotal assist on William Carrier's goal. This victory not only marked the Hurricanes' fourth consecutive win but also highlighted Slavin's remarkable return to the ice after missing significant time due to injuries.
The game unfolded in Raleigh, North Carolina, where both teams fought fiercely for control. The Hurricanes showcased their depth as Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven also found the back of the net, contributing to the team's success. The decisive moment came late in the third period when Carrier skillfully redirected a shot from Slavin, giving Carolina a crucial lead with just over six minutes left on the clock. Notably, Jordan Staal played a key role by providing assists on both the second and final goals of the evening.
On the other side, the Kraken's efforts were spearheaded by Berkly Catton and Matty Beniers, who each scored to keep the game competitive. Despite Joey Daccord's impressive performance in goal, saving 31 shots, Seattle faced their first regulation loss in eleven games, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a winning streak in such a competitive league.
Slavin's comeback was particularly noteworthy as he had been sidelined for the previous ten games due to an upper-body injury sustained in a close 4-3 shootout loss against the Florida Panthers on December 19. Before that, he had also missed 29 games earlier in the season due to a lower-body injury. With his return, this was only the sixth game in which the Hurricanes had their star defenseman on the ice, and they have now recorded an impressive 5-0-1 record in those matchups. Furthermore, Slavin's assist marked a significant milestone as it was the 300th point of his NHL career.
Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi made ten saves in this match, securing his 16th win in just 19 starts this season. However, he inadvertently assisted Seattle in taking a brief lead when Ryan Winterton intercepted a clearing attempt, setting up Catton for a goal that put the Kraken ahead 2-1 early in the third period. Despite this minor slip, Bussi's overall performance was solid, especially considering Seattle managed only 12 shots on goal all night—an unusually low number.
The atmosphere shifted when Martinook tied the game at 2-2 with a well-placed shot after receiving a pass from Staal behind the net. Earlier in the game, it was Stankoven who set the tone by scoring just over three minutes into the first period, marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal. Beniers answered back for the Kraken with a dazzling move around Slavin, equalizing the score later in the same period.
Looking ahead, the Kraken will face off against the New York Rangers next, while the Hurricanes will be heading to Detroit for their upcoming matchup. The stage is set for more exciting hockey action as both teams continue their quest for playoff positioning.
