The Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night (March 28) defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2 to complete the regular-season sweep. It was a great way to kick off the weekend back-to-back as the Hurricanes take on the Montreal Canadiens this evening. Before the focus shifts to Sunday’s game, what stood out in the win on Saturday night against the Devils?
Takeaway #1: Seth Jarvis Scores 30 Goals for Third Straight Season
After seeing his 30th goal get switched to Nikolaj Ehlers against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, Seth Jarvis was able to get back into the 30-goal club on Saturday. His tap-in shorthanded goal to make it a 5-1 game at the time, Jarvis has now scored at least 30 goals in three consecutive seasons. 2025-26 has been a rollercoaster of a season for the Winnipeg native after getting hurt in December against the Florida Panthers, and being on the fence of going to the Olympics or not.
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He eventually got the call to join Team Canada and earned himself a silver medal. Fast forward to the end of March, and he now has 30 goals once again. When it comes to Jarvis, he seems inevitable to score goals as he’s been consistent over the last three seasons and is still not in his prime. What a moment to score his fourth shorthanded goal of the season to achieve 30 overall.
Takeaway #2: Brandon Bussi Turned the Bus Around
What else is there to say about Brandon Bussi? After a small bump in the road, losing three straight games for the first time this season, the bus driver has turned the bus around. He has now won two straight games. Saturday night saw Bussi claim his 27th win of the season, saving 17 of 19 shots, giving him a .895 save percentage (SV%). It was originally 18 of 20 before it was switched, making him drop from .900 to .895.
Regardless of the context stat, when it comes to the Hurricanes’ goalies, Bussi is still having a strong season in Carolina. He is now 27-6-1 in 34 starts, while carrying a 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) and a .896 SV%.
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi and defenseman Jaccob Slavin celebrate (James Guillory-Imagn Images)
Even with losing three straight games in the first adversity of his “rookie season”, the 27-year-old has had a huge impact for the Hurricanes this season. Bussi winning his last two games, especially against the Devils, will help turn the bus around and get him back on a winning streak.
It was clear throughout the game that he was playing the puck well and being aggressive to shooters. The confidence was evident as the game went on, even after giving up the first goal. The Hurricanes rattled off five straight before a late Devils goal made it a 5-2 final. Either way, the win was a big one for Bussi as he crept closer to 30 wins.
There was a “Ghost” sighting on Saturday night as Shayne Gostisbehere made his return to the lineup after missing the last nine games due to injury. In his first game back, Gostisbehere had a goal and an assist, giving him 12 and 33 on the season. Even with him missing 26 games this season, he has 45 points, tying him for fifth on the team with Jackson Blake.
Right from puck drop, there seemed to be a sense that when Gostisbehere returns to the ice, whether it’s 5-on-5 or the power play, his presence is felt. If he had not missed 26 games, he could have easily passed Brent Burns’ record of 61 points in a season for a Hurricanes defenseman.
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Following the game, when asked about Gostisbehere’s return and impact, Rod Brind’Amour stated, “He was very good. He’s got his hands all over the offensive things, but he played, I thought, really well away from the puck, too. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”
Gostisbehere has been solid offensively all season for the Hurricanes; however, as the season has progressed, he has gotten better defensively. He has become a complete all-around defenseman under Tim Gleason and Brind’Amour. He has been huge on both sides of the puck, and it’s been evident.
The Hurricanes are now 46-20-6 after sweeping the Devils. Their next game is on Sunday, March 29, as they look to defeat the Canadiens for the first time this season. It’ll be the last meeting between the two sides in the regular season. Can the Hurricanes make it win number 47 on Sunday?
