Curtis McElhinney of London, Ontario recorded his 14th National Hockey League career shutout on Tuesday. The 35 year-old made 23 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes upset the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
McElhinney made eight saves in the first period, 10 saves in the second period and five saves in the third period. It was his first shutout of the season and first with the Hurricanes. Of McElhinney’s 13 other shutouts, eight came with the Columbus Blue Jackets, three with the Anaheim Ducks and one each with the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Of the four Hurricanes’ goal scorers, two were Canadian. Jordan Martinook of Brandon, Manitoba scored the game winning goal with 45 seconds left in the first period from Jamie McGinn of Fergus, Ontario and Jaccob Slavin. Micheal Ferland of Swan River, Manitoba then scored with 1:31 left in the third period to put Carolina up 3-0.
In 19 games this season, McElhinney has a record of 12 wins, six regulation losses and one loss in extra time. He has a goals against average of 2.37 and a save percentage of .918.
The Hurricanes are currently only three points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Hurricanes, with Petr Mrazek and McElhinney in net, have given up the second fewest goals in the Metropolitan Division with 155 goals against. Only the New York Islanders at 128 goals, have given up fewer.
