Slavin's ot tap-in seals hurricanes' division title

RALEIGH – A late surge from the Boston Bruins nearly derailed the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff ambitions, but a timely deflection from Jaccob Slavin just 1:13 into overtime secured a 6-5 victory and the Metropolitan Division title for the Hurricanes on Tuesday night. The win marks their fourth division crown in six years and sets the stage for a home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Geekie's hat trick fuels bruins' fightback

The Hurricanes, demonstrating a potent offensive attack, initially built a commanding lead, fueled by goals from Andrei Svechnikov, K'Andre Miller, Logan Stankoven, William Carrier, and Taylor Hall. However, a spirited performance from Boston, spearheaded by Morgan Geekie's unexpected hat trick, kept the Bruins within striking distance. Geekie, who had been largely silent in recent games, exploded for three goals, including one with just 1:10 remaining in the second period that narrowed the deficit to a single goal.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, punctuated by some questionable goaltending. Jeremy Swayman, Boston’s starter, was pulled after conceding five goals in the first two periods, a decision that underscored the Bruins’ struggles to contain Carolina’s relentless attack. His replacement, Joonas Korpisalo, managed to stop 16 shots, but ultimately succumbed to Slavin's decisive goal.

What nobody was expecting was Geekie’s sudden scoring burst. The third-round pick, who had just one goal in his previous 20 games, shattered his career-best mark after Tuesday's performance. The Hurricanes’ power play also proved to be a significant factor, converting 14 goals in their last 11 games, including a crucial tally from Stankoven that tied the game at 3-3.

Coach Rod Brind'Amour’s Hurricanes now prepare for a four-game road trip starting Thursday in Chicago, while the Bruins look to rebound on Saturday when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes’ resilience, particularly in the face of Boston’s furious comeback, underscores their readiness for the playoff grind, solidifying their position as a serious contender for the Stanley Cup. The team’s success under Brind’Amour, securing home ice advantage for the third time in four seasons, speaks volumes about their consistent performance and strategic depth.