Carolina @ Anaheim preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 7, 2018 ) Carolina 4, Anaheim 1

While the Carolina Hurricanes are among the most impressive teams in the early going, the Anaheim Ducks rank among the biggest surprises. Coming off a season in which their six-year postseason run was halted, the Ducks have won their first three at home for the first time in five years and look to stay perfect at Honda Center versus visiting Carolina on Friday night.

Anaheim handed Buffalo its first regulation loss with a 5-2 victory on Wednesday, holding an opponent to two goals or fewer for the sixth time in seven games. "We have a lot of young players that are playing key roles for us and we're going to need them to contribute just as much as everybody," Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said. The Hurricanes opened the season with five straight victories but have lost two of three, dropping a 5-2 decision at San Jose on Wednesday. "We're good when we're fast and tenacious. When we're tired, we can't get to that game," defenseman Dougie Hamilton said after the back-to-back. "We'll get some rest and try to finish the trip off well."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Carolina, Prime Ticket (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (6-2-0): Carolina was hurt by its special teams in San Jose, yielding a pair of power-play goals while failing to capitalize on four chances of its own to fall to 0-for-13 with the man advantage in the past four games. "Teams have pre-scouted," said Hamilton, who continued his torrid start to the season by scoring his fifth goal. "Other people in the league aren't stupid. They're going to know what to take away, and we have to look for new opportunities to score." Erik Haula also stayed hot by netting his team-high sixth goal.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (5-2-0): Anaheim has been dealing with its own woes on the power play, failing to convert on all 14 chances in its first six games before Getzlaf finally ended the drought against the Sabres. "There is still lots of work to do there, but it's just a relief to get one in there for everyone because it becomes a focus and with that comes a lot of unneeded pressure," first-year coach Dallas Eakins said. Rickard Rakell, limited to 18 goals in 2018-19 after erupting for 67 in his previous two seasons, has tallied in back-to-back games.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim has allowed the fewest goals (12) in franchise history through seven games.

2. Hurricanes G Petr Mrazek has won all four starts and is 3-2-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average versus Anaheim.

3. Ducks G John Gibson is 4-2-0 with a 2.61 GAA versus Carolina.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Hurricanes 2