Carolina Hurricanes and St. Louis Blues: Jankowski opens, Binnington closes as third period flips the script

The Carolina Hurricanes moved to 41-18-6 and the St. Louis Blues to 26-29-10 after a 3-1 result at the Lenovo Center. The Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues final score reflected the Blues’ 18 percent shooting against the Canes’ 3 percent finishing despite a 32-17 shots edge for Carolina.

First period

The Carolina Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead in the first period when Mark Jankowski scored on his only shot for a 100 percent rate in the previous game log. The Canes put 30 even-strength shots on goal in the game data and came out of the opening period with the only goal on the board. The Blues finished the night with 18 hits while the Canes recorded 16, and the early physical count stayed close as the lead held.

Second period

The St. Louis Blues tied the game with 1 second-period goal while holding Carolina without a second-period marker. The Canes power play went 0-for-2 with 1 shot, and the Blues penalty kill covered both opportunities. The faceoff line stayed level at 27-27 with each team listed at 50 percent, and that neutral split carried through the middle frame.

Third period

The Blues produced 2 third-period goals, including an empty-net goal, to create separation after the teams were tied entering the period. Jordan Binnington earned the win with 31 saves on 32 shots, and that goaltending line shaped the Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues turning point as Carolina’s shot volume did not translate to goals. Sebastian Aho led the Canes with 7 shots, and Jordan Staal added 5 shots as Carolina kept the puck moving toward the slot late. Carolina finished with 7 takeaways to St. Louis’ 5, but the Blues’ 12 blocked attempts and 9 blocked shots helped protect the lead in the closing stretch. The game’s Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues tactical recap also showed St. Louis scoring 3 even-strength goals on 17 shots while Carolina’s 1 even-strength goal came on 30 shots. The official three stars list placed Binnington first, Jimmy Snuggerud second, and Jankowski third, matching the game’s Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues highlights around a first-period finish and a third-period swing.

The Canes will be back on the ice at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on 03/14/2026 at 7:00 PM EDT against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with viewing available on ESPN+, The Spot, and FDSSO. Keep it locked for the next game recap, and share this article with other Canes fans.