Sometimes you get the most when you least expect it.

Goalkeeper Frederik Andersen and the Carolina Hurricanes’ defense got off to a rocky start against the Minnesota Wild, conceding three goals in the first 21 minutes. The Canes’ stout defense, which had previously allowed the third-fewest goals in the NHL this season, shattered like glass.

Yet Carolina didn’t give up.

In miraculous fashion, Andersen completed a full 180. Minnesota never scored again, and Carolina survived the onslaught to earn a 4-3 victory.

“It was a high-scoring game and then there’s nothing,” said head coach Rod Brind’Amour. “It was weird how it settled down; goalies made some big saves on both ends to give their teams a chance to win.”

The Canes (9-4) desperately needed their defense to tighten when it did against the Wild (5-7-3). The Canes themselves only scored once after three goals in the first period — a close shot by left wing Nikolaj Ehlers from the left side that snuck past Minnesota goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson. The score was assisted by forward Jackson Blake, his second point of the evening. Earning a 4-3 edge, Carolina held on for dear life the rest of the way and survived without scoring again.

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“[Ehlers] is unbelievable, he’s a stud,” Blake said. “I love playing with that guy; he’s so fast and makes really good decisions all the time.”

Fortunately for Carolina, once Andersen found his rhythm, there was no chance of scoring on him. The veteran goalkeeper made timely saves in the latter two periods, recovering from the rocky start with impressive poise.

“He shakes off everything,” Brind’Amour said. “He can move on to the next one. It was a rough start for both goalies, really.”

Andersen’s biggest test came late in the second period. After locking down the Wild for most of the period, the Canes’ defense allowed Minnesota two clean looks at the goal in the final 10 seconds. Andersen blocked both, navigating the tough spot and preserving the lead heading into the final period.

After starting hotter than a Carolina Reaper chili pepper, the Canes’ offense went ice cold over the final 39 minutes of the game. While Carolina’s goal production wasn’t sustainable — after scoring four times in 21 minutes — nobody could have anticipated that the Canes would have to lean on their defense to survive. With no more help from the front lines, Andersen’s job to keep Minnesota off the board became much more pressure-packed, yet the goalkeeper delivered.

While the Canes won the game, Carolina lost defenseman Jalen Chatfield to injury in the first period. Minnesota’s Tyler Pitlick checked Chatfield on the head, sending him to the ice. The Canes responded when captain and center Jordan Staal took Pitlick to the ground with ease in a fight shortly after.

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“We’ve talked a lot about supporting each other and standing up for each other,” said defenseman Sean Walker. “To see your captain go out there and do it, be the first one in there, it’s amazing.”

The game was notable for Staal beyond the fight. Playing in his 910th game with the Canes, Staal surpassed his brother, Eric Staal, for the most games played as a member of the team. The feat is a testament to Staal’s resiliency, work ethic and, of course, talent, proving his value annually for Carolina.

“He’s our leader,” Brind’Amour said. “I can’t say enough great things. That’s just another one of those things he does for our group, that he’s willing to do. That’s why he’s got the “C” on his jersey.”

Carolina will remain at the Lenovo Center for its next game when the Buffalo Sabres come to town on Saturday, Nov. 8. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. with television coverage available via FanDuel Sports South.