Stankoven has 3 points as Hurricanes cruise past Blackhawks

Carolina clinches Metropolitan Division with 7-2 victory over Chicago

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:36am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring swirling brushstrokes of neon blue, green, and red, conveying the fast-paced action and intensity of a professional hockey game.Hurricanes' depth players shine in decisive division-clinching victory over BlackhawksBoston Today

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 7-2 on Monday night, led by a three-point performance from Logan Stankoven. The Hurricanes were missing several key players due to injuries but still managed to clinch the Metropolitan Division title with the win. Anton Frondell scored twice for the Blackhawks in the losing effort.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' victory secures their spot atop the Metropolitan Division, ensuring they will have home-ice advantage in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite missing several star players, Carolina's depth players stepped up to deliver the decisive win. For the rebuilding Blackhawks, Frondell's two-goal game provides a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season.

The details

The Hurricanes jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just 19 seconds into the game on a goal by Sean Walker. The Blackhawks tied it at 1-1 midway through the first period on Frondell's first goal. But Stankoven scored twice to give Carolina a 3-1 lead by the second period. The Hurricanes then pulled away in the third period, getting goals from Jankowski, K'Andre Miller, and another from Jankowski to seal the 7-2 victory.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 9, 2026.
  • The Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title with the win.

The players

Logan Stankoven

A 22-year-old forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who had 3 points in the game, including 2 goals.

Anton Frondell

A 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who scored 2 goals in the game, marking his first career multi-goal game.

Mark Jankowski

A 32-year-old forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored 2 goals in the game.

Frederik Andersen

The 34-year-old goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who made 23 saves in the victory.

Spencer Knight

The 24-year-old goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks who made 15 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we were missing some key guys, but the depth players really stepped up tonight. It was a total team effort to get this important division-clinching win.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

“It was great to get my first multi-goal game in the NHL. The team fought hard, but we just couldn't overcome Carolina's depth and skill tonight.”

— Anton Frondell, Forward, Chicago Blackhawks

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to carry this momentum into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they aim to capture their first championship since 2006. The Blackhawks will continue their rebuilding efforts in the offseason, hoping to bounce back stronger next year.

The takeaway

Despite missing several key players, the Hurricanes' depth and team-first mentality proved to be the difference in this decisive victory that clinched the Metropolitan Division title. For the Blackhawks, Frondell's breakout performance offers a glimmer of hope for the future as the team continues its rebuild.