Watch: Hurricanes waste little time striking first in playoff opener vs. Islanders

Kuznetsov's tally on the mad advantage showcased one of the Hurricanes' many strengths. Along with finishing the 2023-2024 campaign ranked eighth in the NHL in goals per game (3.38), Carolina boasted the second-ranked powerplay unit in the league (26.9 percent), finishing behind only the Tampa Bay Lightning (28.6 percent).

Acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, Kuznetsov was brought to Carolina to provide some veteran goal-scoring depth. However, after recording only 12 goals in 2022-2023 with the Capitals, the 31-year-old notched just eight tallies this season, with only two coming in a Hurricanes sweater. 

If the Canes can get Kuznetsov going, along with Teuvo Teravainen, Seth Jarvis and star Sebastian Aho, they may prove to be one of the tougher teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. This is especially true since they're already one of the stingier defensive squads in the league, allowing 2.57 goals against per game (fourth in the NHL).