The top line combined for four goals and 11 points, but the defense was abysmal in their New Year's Day clash with Montreal, losing 7-5 at home.
For the first time in 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes took the ice, trying to improve their spot atop the division against the Montreal Canadiens. The Canes closed last year with a lopsided loss in Pittsburgh, but they hoped some line juggling would help them get back on track in this inter-conference matchup.