RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes, after their five-day NHL bye week, began a five-game homestand with hope and promise, looking to pick up wins and move up in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Canes ended it with a thud Sunday, with a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames at PNC Arena.
Johnny Gaudreau had two goals and an assist for the Flames, who have surged into playoff position in the Western Conference with a 9-2-1 run. Micheal Ferland scored on a breakaway and goalie Brian Elliott was stout enough in net for Calgary (33-26-4).
Victor Rask had a power-play goal in the first period for the Hurricanes (25-25-8), who had other good scoring chances in the game.