Carolina Hurricanes: Three Takeaways from First Playoff Loss in a Decade
By Bryan Walsh
The Hurricanes first playoff game in a decade was a bit of a rollercoaster. The Hurricanes’ comeback bid in the third period fell short but they gave a legitimately solid effort. There are no moral victories in the playoffs but the Hurricanes can hold their heads high after a valiant effort. Playoff hockey is back.
How long as it been since the Hurricanes played in a playoff game?
Finally, that question is not that painful to answer. It had been a long time coming. I wrote about how long it had been here. Despite the loss, I know I wasn’t the only fan that was at least happy to be invited to the dance.
The Hurricanes began the game poorly. Despite amassing most of the games’ shots, the Capitals scored three goals in the first period. All the storylines were coming true. The Hurricanes were supposed to dominate in puck possession and shots, they did.
The Capitals were supposed to dominate in quality chances and score more, they did. The Capitals have all the playoff experience, while the Hurricanes have zero.
Despite that, the Hurricanes stuck with it and held the Capitals to four shots in the second period. They also scored zero goals, but one step at a time. In the third, Andrei Svechnikov scored twice, making it a one goal game. Lars Eller sealed things for the Capitals with an empty net goal, but there are things to be happy with after last night.