RALEIGH, N.C. — The Columbus Blue Jackets have won two straight games, but extending that streak Thursday night will require their best performance of the young season. Columbus visits the Carolina Hurricanes, who enter the matchup with the NHL's best record at 10-2-2.

The Blue Jackets (5-5-0) are coming off Tuesday's 4-3 overtime victory over Philadelphia, a game they nearly let slip away after allowing a tying goal in the final seconds of regulation. Kent Johnson rescued Columbus with the overtime winner, giving the Jackets some momentum heading into one of their toughest early-season matchups.

Carolina presents a difficult challenge to say the least. The defending Stanley Cup champions have allowed just 2.36 goals per game while surrendering an average of 21.9 shots, both among the best marks in the league. Their aggressive forecheck and ability to control possession make it difficult for opponents to sustain offensive pressure.

The Hurricanes are also dangerous offensively, averaging 3.79 goals per game. Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with 19 points, including eight goals, while Logan Stankoven has also scored eight times. Columbus cannot afford to spend extended stretches defending in its own zone against a team with that much firepower.

For the Blue Jackets, generating offense consistently remains an issue. Columbus has scored just 25 goals through 10 games, the fewest in the NHL, with Johnson leading the team with six goals and 10 points. The Jackets' power play has also struggled, converting just 11.1% of its opportunities.

Columbus did show it can handle Carolina last season, including a 5-1 victory at Nationwide Arena in which Charlie Coyle recorded four points. However, the Hurricanes have been very effective at controlling the pace on home ice, and the Blue Jackets will need a disciplined defensive effort to give themselves a chance.

Carolina will be without captain Jordan Staal, who is recovering from a calf injury, while forward Taylor Hall is also sidelined. Despite those absences, the Hurricanes remain dangerous on special teams, with a power play converting 23.5% of its opportunities.

Game Information

Prediction

Carolina's ability to limit shots, combined with its offensive depth, makes this a tough matchup for Columbus. The Blue Jackets should compete after two encouraging victories, but the Hurricanes have too many advantages at home and too much firepower to keep up with.

Carolina Hurricanes 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2