The Carolina Hurricanes battled the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time in franchise history, on Dec. 12, at T-Mobile Arena. It was the last game against a Western Conference opponent, on the team’s longest road trip of the season. Carolina also needed a win to end a five-game losing streak.
Meanwhile, the Golden Knights entered as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, looking to extend a winning streak to five games. Marc-Andre Fleury also returned from injured reserve, after getting a concussion coming in his last start on Oct. 13. Cam Ward went for the Canes.