The Carolina Hurricanes started off their season with an impressive, 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at the Lenovo Center.
Seth Jarvis scored twice, including the game-winner.
Newly acquired defenseman, K’Andre Miller also chipped in with two goals in his debut.
The home team outshot the visitors 33-22. They also missed the net 21 times, (many of those shots hit the post) and had 19 shots blocked for a total of 73 shot attempts.
Jersey had a total of 45 shot attempts, (22-13-10).
Carolina’s 4rth line got things started when Taylor Hall tipped in a Shayne Gostisbehere shot just four minutes into the game.
Gostisbehere also had a good game as he finished with two assists and was a +3.
In the second period, Dougie Hamilton tied things up for New Jersey on a backhander, but Miller scored the first of his goals when he bounced a puck in past Jacob Markstrom to give the Canes back the lead.
The Devils tied it up again before the end of the period, but Miller scored a powerplay goal from the point to give the Canes the lead once again.
Barely a minute later, Jersey tied the score once again but then Jarvis would take charge.
He scored the eventual game-winner off a nice pass from Sebastian Aho, then scored an empty-netter to put the game away.
Jarvis had hit the post a couple of times on earlier chances.
The 4rth line scored again with just 13 seconds left when Eric Robinson knocked one in.
Fred Andersen made 19 saves on the 22 shots he faced.
After the game, Brind’Amour praised Miller, calling his game “exceptional”.
Alexander Nikishin also was praised by the coach and played well as he had a couple of blocked shots and a takeaway to go with his assist. He finished with a +3.
The Hurricanes will have an optional practice on Friday before their next home game against the Flyers on Saturday night.