Jaccob Slavin Leads Hurricanes to Comeback Win in First Game Back from Injury

Jaccob Slavin returned from a series of injuries and helped the Carolina Hurricanes rally past the Seattle Kraken, recording a primary assist on the game-winning play while playing 19:35 and posting two hits and a strong 5-on-5 chance differential.

Jaccob Slavin returned to the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup Saturday and played in the team's comeback win over the Seattle Kraken. He has missed most of the season after a string of injuries that began in the preseason and included both lower- and upper-body issues. In his first game back he played 19:35, registered two hits and a primary assist on the play credited as the game-winning goal. Teammates and the coach noted his puck movement and positioning as influential during the game. Key facts: - Slavin missed preseason with a lower-body injury, reaggravated it two games into the regular season, then missed 28 games before a brief return; he later suffered an upper-body injury after three games and was out again. - In Saturday's game he played 19:35, had two hits, and held a reported 12-3 edge in scoring chances during his 5-on-5 minutes. - The decisive sequence began when Slavin activated from the neutral zone, executed a give-and-go with Jordan Staal, crashed the net, and William Carrier was credited with the goal; Slavin earned the primary assist. - Slavin acknowledged feeling a bit rusty and had one early play where he was beaten by Matt Beniers. - Teammates praised his impact after the game, with Jordan Staal noting his puck movement and Jordan Martinook referring to him as "The General." Summary: Slavin's return was cited by teammates as a noticeable influence on Carolina's play and he contributed directly to the regulation win with a primary assist. Undetermined at this time.