Carolina Hurricanes: Top 10 Games in Franchise History

Nov 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie

(30) makes a save on Dallas Stars right wing

(72) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Hurricanes defeated the Stars 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

#8. “The Molson Miracle” – Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 4

On May 9, 2002 in game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final, the Carolina Hurricanes pulled off their biggest playoff comeback in franchise history, and it was anything but easy.

The Montreal Canadiens and their ravenous fans tortured the Hurricanes through the opening 40 minutes. The Habs had a 3-0 lead 3:57 into the final frame, but that changed thanks to Sean Hill‘s rifling slap shot from the point on the 5-on-3. Boo’s rained down from the Canadiens faithful, but that didn’t deter the resilient road team.

With 7:17 to go in regulation, tough forechecking from the Canes led to a turnover at the Habs blue line. The puck was dealt over to Bates Bataglia, and he found a lane to shoot in. He winded up a released a howitzer of a slap shot that whizzed past Jose Theodore to cut Montreal’s lead to just 3-2.

In a final minute frenzy, the Hurricanes pulled their goalie in a desperate attempt to tie the game. On the play, all of Rod Brind’Amour, Ron Francis, Bates Battaglia, Ron Francis, Sean Hill, and, finally, Erik Cole touched the puck. Cole put home a rebound in front to complete the ludicrous come back with just 40 seconds left in the 3rd.

It would all mean nothing if the Canes didn’t score in the extra frame to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Thankfully, the Hurricanes didn’t disappoint.

The secret weapon, Niclas Wallin, sent the Canes back to Raleigh happy 3:12 into overtime.

Josef Vasicek won a clean offensive zone faceoff back to Wallin, and the Swedish blue-liner wasted no time and made no mistake as he sent a wrist on net and past Jose Theodore.

The win tied the series at 2, and the Hurricanes would go on to win out in the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Next: 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Game 2