Looking to build momentum coming off of two wins in Las Vegas and Buffalo to close off a season-long six-game road trip that started 0-2-2, the Carolina Hurricanes welcomed the Columbus Blue Jackets to PNC Arena for the final meeting of the season between the Metropolitan division rivals.
After sitting on the bench for two straight games watching Cam Ward come up with a pair of victories, starting goaltender Scott Darling turned in arguably his best performance as a Hurricane in a massive victory over the division leaders.
Carolina got the ball rolling quickly, when Jordan Staal centered a puck that was deflected in by local fan favorite Jack Johnson, the Blue Jackets defender and former highly touted Carolina draft pick who had spurned the Canes all those years ago
The goal was the culmination of an impressive checking shift by Staal and his wingers, Justin Williams and Brock McGinn, who were rewarded with assists on the goal.