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Jordan Staal returned from injury while Andrei Svechnikov and Mark Jankowski scored twice each as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-1 on Saturday to sweep the NHL Global Series in Helsinki. The victory improved Carolina’s record to 16-3-2 and extended their winning streak to four games following a dominant 4-1 triumph on Thursday.
Historical Milestone and Goaltending
With the sweep, Carolina became the first NHL franchise to win each of its first four regular-season games played outside North America, building on a sweep of the Minnesota Wild in a 2010 Helsinki series. Pyotr Kochetkov turned away 12 shots to secure his 12th win in 13 games. For Seattle, Joey Daccord surrendered four goals on 14 shots before being replaced by Philipp Grubauer, who stopped 22 shots.
Scoring Highlights
Svechnikov found the net twice on power plays in the middle period with identical shots from the right circle, extending his point streak to four games and bringing his season total to 11 goals. His second strike prompted the Kraken to change goaltenders with 9:55 remaining in the second frame. Jackson Blake opened the scoring in the first period off a between-the-legs backhand pass from Sebastian Aho, stretching his career-best point streak to 11 games. Mark Jankowski contributed two goals, including one off a precise feed from Taylor Hall, while Matty Beniers provided the lone goal for the Kraken, who dropped to 9-8-1.
Captain’s Return and Upcoming Schedule
Carolina captain Jordan Staal played his first contest since suffering a calf tear on Oct. 11, returning to action after a 14-game absence. The 38-year-old center logged 13:55 of ice time on the third line alongside Jordan Martinook and Seth Jarvis. Saturday’s matchup marked the 50th regular-season game played outside North America and the ninth hosted in Helsinki. The NHL’s European slate continues next month when the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks meet in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Dec. 18 and 20.
The Kraken return home to host the Canucks on Thursday, while the Hurricanes welcome Montreal on Thursday.
