Hurricanes edge Blue Jackets 2-1

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Carolina Hurricanes pulled out a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets during the last minute of the third period at Nationwide Arena on Thursday.

Forward Nathan Gerbe scored both of Carolina’s goals including the game winner with 38 seconds to play while goaltender Cam Ward made 26 saves to preserve the win.

“Big win,” Gerbe said afterwards.

“Every win is big. We know it’s preseason, but you still wanna’ win your games.”

Having shown up to training camp late due to a death in the family, Gerbe earned the praise of Hurricanes head coach Kirk Muller for working hard to make an impact and to make a case for earning a spot on the team during training camp.

“We all knew he’s a character guy that worked hard,” Muller said of Gerbe when Carolina signed him in the offseason.

“That was the feedback we got. He’s a skilled, small player, but I think he wanted to come in and prove that he can play and he’s kinda’ really just done it since day one. He started with the family issue unfortunately, but he’s taken off, worked hard and he’s really had a good camp.

Even while winning the game, Columbus outshot Carolina 26-23 and played a physical game against the Hurricanes, outhitting them 25-10.

“We got stronger as the game went,” Hurricanes head coach Kirk Muller said.

“What I liked was our discipline to stay just with the game plan and grind it through. You know, pick up a nice little victory there.”

Earning their second consecutive win, the Hurricanes return to Raleigh to play their final preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres at PNC Arena on Friday.

Game highlights: Carolina Hurricanes 2, Columbus Blue Jackets 1 – (hurricanes.nhl.com)