Carolina Hurricanes: Back in the playoff picture with huge win

The Carolina Hurricanes are sitting in the Eastern Conference’s final wildcard spot after besting the Florida Panthers in a wild game on Thursday night.

The Carolina Hurricanes kicked off Mentor’s Weekend with an all-around gutsy team win against the Florida Panthers, triumphing 4-3 over the Cats. The Canes now sit in the second wildcard spot while also being only one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Metropolitan division.

After starting out with a 2-0 lead, it felt like it was going to be nothing but Hurricanes. That came to a halt when the second period got a bit out of hand and after a few blinks, it was 3-2 Panthers. At this point coach Rod Brind’Amour was not thrilled, to say the least. It felt as if the team was going to drop another crucial game in the homestretch of the season.

What was said in the locker room during the second intermission? Likely some words only suitable for a mature audience – but whatever Rod said, his words seemingly worked. Shockingly enough the Canes’ powerplay, as abysmal as it was at times, ended up being the deciding factor for the Jerks. The Carolina Hurricanes finished 2/8 with ample 5-on-3 minutes on the PP – those two conversions coming early in the third and ultimately winning the game. We will not dwell on the Canes’ special teams, but rather will look to the guys who sparked this win.

Justin Williams. There are no words that can do his performance any justice. It was outstanding, it was gutsy, it was as captain-like of a performance any hockey club could ever ask for. Williams started off the scoring in an odd fashion, catching a puck square off of the right cheek that ended up finding the net and found number 14 heading to the locker room. That did not stop the C-wearer, as he soon returned to the bench with a nice battle scar – wonder how that looks today?

Fitting enough, Williams also ended the scoring with a slick goal on the PP – the game winner. Williams continues to prove time again that he is not only the leader, but the catalyst of this hockey club. He leads, they follow. He makes the big plays when the Hurricanes need it most and sets a prime example for his young teammates to follow. Williams ended with 2 goals and an assist and is playing as well now as he has at any point in his entire Canes career.

Matching Williams’ win-propelling play was his netminder, Petr Mrazek. Mrazek was sensational between the pipes, making a mirage of acrobatic saves down the stretch and ultimately stopping 27 of the Panthers’ 30 shots. What impresses me most is his ability to shake off a goal and move on to the next play.

A prime example of this was the 2 on 1 robbery of Vincent Trocheck shortly after the Panthers made the game 3-2. If that puck finds twine, it could have been majorly deflating moment for the Carolina Hurricanes and one that would likely have changed the outcome of the entire game.

Another save(s) I want to point out happened late in the game. Trocheck snuck by Justin Faulk to put a tough shot on net which was followed up by a rebound chance by way of Evgenii Dadonov. Mrazek closed the door twice, keeping the 4-3 lead intact. I am usually not one to give a play-by-play analysis, but I believe Mrazek deserves this attention. Pete continuously finds ways to keep his team in the game with these outstanding saves and the Canes have found ways to support his efforts. His season numbers in no way tell the story of how excellent he has been between the pipes for his team.

The Hurricanes’ playoff push continues Saturday on the final game of Mentor’s Weekend with a trip to Dallas to play the Stars, who are fresh off ending the St Louis Blues’ 11-game winning streak. I think it goes without saying that every game carries huge weight at this stage. Continuing to string together wins is all Caniacs can hope for. Keep enjoying the ride, everybody. Go Canes!