The Carolina Hurricanes take a demanding 3-0 series lead, defeating the Islanders 5-2, in Carolina, in the first high scoring bout of this goalie dominating series.
The Hurricanes won their fifth consecutive playoff game, as they’ve gotten hot at a really good time. The ‘Canes have fully turned around from their early season woes and are playing like true contenders. Although it was another gritty, close fought game, both teams finally showed up offensively as this game alone had more goals than the other two games combined.
Game 3 finally showed the likes of young stud Andrei Svechnikov, and the strong veteran presence of Jordan Martinook. Although they both only played 12 minutes of ice time, they showed they were ready to get back out there. Svechnikov even had a few high quality scoring chances in his return, with one clanging hard off the post.
The ‘Canes continued their home dominance as well as they’re now 4-0, at home this postseason, while outscoring opponents 17-5, in those games. It also helps to have two goalies averaging save percentage of .952, and only allowing 1.25 goals per home game.
WHAT A STOP!! pic.twitter.com/PMLZvxZtdV
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 2, 2019
Through all this, Carolina has managed to put a real hold on the series. Here are the takeaways from a wonderful night that has placed the Carolina Hurricanes firmly on the road the the conference finals.