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The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Detroit Red Wings after the Hurricanes knocked off the Calgary Flames 2-1 in overtime.

With the NHL’s Eastern Conference tightening up, the Hurricanes went into Sunday’s game just six points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who held the second wild-card playoff spot.

Jim Jost, grandfather of Carolina Hurricanes forward Tyson Jost, was on hand to do the honors of reading the starting lineup before their game against the Calgary Flames at Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Sunday. “Louder! Let’s go!” said Jim, egging on the team in a video shared on social media.

The Carolina Hurricanes may think they are celebrating history with their Hartford Whalers throwback uniforms. However, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23), right wing Patrick Kane (88), center Dylan Larkin (71) and right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) talk during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) AP

While the ending of games tends to be what's evaluated most heavily by observers, the Carolina Hurricanes are searching for ways to produce better beginnings.

On Whalers night at Lenovo Center, Mikko Rantanen slipped into a different sweater and turned in his first multi-point game with the Canes.

Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Thursday night. Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho, Taylor Hall and Seth Jarvis also scored for Carolina, which had lost its first two games after the league break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.