Carolina Hurricanes Make a Statement with Big Overtime Win

Carolina Hurricanes biggest test of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets

Tonight’s game was a big test for this young Carolina Hurricanes team against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  I agree with fellow Cardiaccane.com Matthew Barlowe, wrote this nice piece about this being no time for bad games.

Tonight’s game was Carolina’s game one of a tough playoff series.   The Hurricanes were in a must win situation playing the Jackets who are already playoff bound.  The Jackets also are in a playoff desperation mode.  Columbus fights to not play the Stanley Cup champs Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

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The Game

It was nice to see the Carolina Hurricanes in the third jersey Black. Columbus really came out hot.  Carolina stayed composed and Cam Ward made some timely saves.  The Hurricanes did get back into the game the second half of the period but nothing to show for it.  Canes fans were worried when Jeff Skinner, after getting hit by a shot, limped off the ice and straight to locker room.

Second Period

The beginning of the second period starts with no Jeff Skinner.  A minute or so later a huge exhale from all Caniacs when Skinner returns for battle.

Although the second period started with Columbus having the game advantage and getting an early powerplay.  Carolina holds down the fort and staves off the Blue Jackets.  The Hurricanes took charge of the period and earn a powerplay. Canes really impress but can’t find the net.  Disaster strikes shortly afterward when former Carolina draftee Jack Johnson snaps one past, Cam Ward.

Third Period

It is all on the line for the Carolina Hurricanes at the beginning of the third.  If you were like me, you were scoreboard watching in-between the period and knew things were not looking good.  The Hurricanes came out hard and carried the play.  The first thing I noticed was that the Ref decided to take the third off so Carolina needed to take charge on their own.

There were going to be no penalties this period.  Coach Peters shortened the bench down to three lines.  Canes kept pressing and then it happened. Jeff Skinner while trying to feed Victor Rask in front of the net, gets the bounce off Seth Jones and evens the game.

Overtime

Overtime started with all Caniacs on edge.  Much like before, Carolina takes it to the opposing team.  This time no big mistakes, no breakaways, just solid play.  Jeff Skinner decided to take charge and when charging the net the rebound becomes the game winner for Noah Hanifin.

For what’s it worth

The Carolina Hurricanes came into the game knowing their playoffs started tonight.  The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of this year’s premier team.  The Hurricanes were playing their third game in four days and knew their season was on the line.

This game went back and forth.  For any hockey fan, this game was top shelf material. What really impressed was the maturity of the young Hurricanes.  Yes, Justin Faulk lead the defense, but players like Hanifin, Dahlbeck, and Tennyson were being pushed hard down the stretch by the Blue Jackets but they didn’t break.

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They excelled.  Then there was the offensive side of the game. Jeff Skinner still keeps showing all the Caniacs that he is the future Captain by his play.  During the third and all of the OT, Sebastian Aho showed everyone that there is a greater level to his play.

Aho was playing lights out hockey when his rebound was the root cause of Hanifin’s goal.  The Carolina Hurricanes now have a 13 game point streak.  They have made their way into Carolina Hurricanes history with this win.  More importantly, they live another day and keep all Caniacs hopes alive.