Carolina Hurricanes: 3 Keys to Game 2 Victory Against Boston Bruins

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Head coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Head coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 09: Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) tries to cut off the outgoing pass. During Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals featuring the Carolina Hurricanes against the Boston Bruins on May 09, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 09: Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) tries to cut off the outgoing pass. During Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals featuring the Carolina Hurricanes against the Boston Bruins on May 09, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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.

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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?

Schedule