2. Stay Out of the Penalty Box
Penalties have been a huge thorn in the side of the Hurricanes, going all the way back to the regular season. With a penalty kill percentage of 73.2% this postseason, the Hurricanes absolutely have to stay out of the box.
"What makes him such a special player and what hurts him is exactly that he cares too much."
— Bally Sports: Canes (@CanesOnBally) May 11, 2019
-- Rod Brind'Amour discusses Jordan Staal having trouble getting past penalty in Game 1 and what defines the veteran as a player.@NHLCanes | #TakeWarning pic.twitter.com/oyG3X3lUDW
The Boston Bruins boast a 30% powerplay conversion rate, the highest of any team this postseason. As evidence by their two powerplay goals 28 seconds apart in Game 1, the Bruins have no problem scoring on the powerplay, and will do everything they can tonight to draw as many penalties as possible.
"Just stay focused all game. Don't take any penalties, play hard and play our game."
— Bally Sports: Canes (@CanesOnBally) May 11, 2019
-- Andrei Svechnikov catches up with @mikemaniscalco to discuss @NHLCanes' focus for Game 2 vs. Bruins.#TakeWarning | #StanleyCup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/tNyhyBZa4V
The Hurricanes play a much better 5 on 5 game than the rest of the teams in the playoffs, which leads us to our final key to the game: continue dominating during 5 on 5 play.