The Carolina Hurricanes were desperate for a win against the Capitals to avoid going down 3-0 in the series. The Hurricanes did just that in a dominating 5-0 win in the first playoff game in PNC Arena in a decade.
The Carolina Hurricanes gave the Caniacs that have been aching to see them back in the postseason, a performance these fans will never forget. North Carolina needed this for hockey and the Hurricanes were out to prove they belong in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
After dropping the first two in Washington D.C., the Hurricanes put their mark on this series. They did so in the most dominating and exciting of ways.
This game can be a defining moment for a potential playoff run. Shutting out the defending Stanley Cup champion is one thing, but controlling almost the entire game is on a whole different level. The sense of urgency from the Hurricanes was evident all game.
Hockey Town. pic.twitter.com/RYg9w8yN9G
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 16, 2019
There were key moments that defined this game, in terms of its physical nature, offensive output, and special teams. We examine game three period by period and take away all of the important factors, which led to the eventual Hurricanes victory.