Jesperi Kotkaniemi's two-goal performance led the Carolina Hurricanes to a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars, sealing a successful back-to-back road trip. Kotkaniemi's second goal came just 24 seconds after the Stars had tied the game in the third period, showcasing his timely scoring ability. The Hurricanes also benefited from strong goaltending by Pyotr Kochetkov, who made 22 saves, contributing to Carolina's impressive record when leading after two periods. The Stars, meanwhile, saw their season-long seven-game winning streak end, with Jake Oettinger stopping 17 shots.

Kotkaniemi's goals mark a return to form, as he had previously gone nine games without finding the net. His recent scoring surge is complemented by Martin Necas, who continued to excel with two assists, bringing his season total to 54 points in 48 games. Coach Rod Brind'Amour celebrated his 500th game behind the bench for the Hurricanes, further solidifying the team's strong performance under his leadership.