PNC Arena was nearly packed with 19,023 fans in attendance for Friday night’s matchup of the two highest-ranked teams in the Metropolitan Division.
The Carolina Hurricanes won 4-3 the last time they faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh on February 20. However, in the first period on Friday, it looked as though the Canes may not be as lucky this go around.
The Penguins dominated the first period in Raleigh. Sidney Crosby won the faceoff to start the game and from there, the Canes struggled to gain control of the puck. Pittsburgh took an early lead when Jake Guentzel scored 4:28 into the game.