3. Continue Even-Strength Dominance
The Carolina Hurricanes have played a far superior 5 on 5 game this postseason than every other team in the playoffs this year.
Despite owning the third-worst powerplay percentage of all teams this postseason (12.2%), the Hurricanes have still managed to eliminate the Washington Capitals in the first round, and sweep the New York Islanders in the second. This speaks volumes as to how successful the Hurricanes can dominate games at even strength.
"There was a large chunk of that game that was really positive for us and really a small fraction that wasn't very good. But at the end of the day it's 1-0 them, so move on."
— Bally Sports: Canes (@CanesOnBally) May 11, 2019
-- Rod Brind'Amour on positives from Game 1 and @NHLCanes having rebounded from a deficit in playoffs. pic.twitter.com/WGhOoEi04O
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During Game 1, the Bruins were completely outclassed and outskated during 5 on 5 play. They looked to be on their heels as the Hurricanes continued winning the loose puck battles, as well as the majority of battles for the puck at the boards.
The Carolina Hurricanes are still in this, Caniacs. They came back from worse during Round 1. If the Hurricanes can manage to start strong, stay out of the box, and continue their dominance at even-strength, they should be able to steal a coveted win on the road, and begin the journey to eliminating the Boston Bruins to move onto the Stanley Cup finals.
Prediction:
Question for CC Readers: Should Rod Brind’amour stick with Petr Mrazek tonight, or should he give Curtis McElhinney another run in net?