Hurricanes Take 2-1 Lead on 3-2 OT Win as Top Line Finally Breaks Through
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 26
Hurricanes Take 2-1 Lead on 3-2 OT Win as Top Line Finally Breaks Through
17 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 26
Andrei Svechnikov’s overtime goal lifted Carolina to a 3-2 win in Montreal, giving the Hurricanes their first multi-win Eastern Conference final since 2006.
Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis helped drive the winner, a breakthrough for Carolina’s top line after it had produced just one five-on-five goal together through the first 10 playoff games.
Rod Brind’Amour said Carolina would not advance without production from its stars, and Svechnikov backed that up with 0.61 expected goals, several prime chances and the key interception that started the deciding sequence.
Carolina had gone 8-0 earlier in the postseason despite limited scoring from Aho, Jarvis and Svechnikov, but their output had been running nearly two goals per 60 below regular-season levels.
The result leaves the Hurricanes closer to the Stanley Cup Final while easing a growing concern that strong process alone would not be enough against a tougher opponent.
After an 11-game slump, can the Hurricanes' top line now power the team to a Stanley Cup victory?
Can Montreal’s underdog magic overcome Carolina's deep roster and dominant playoff performance?