3. Continue Ruthless Forecheck
In the majority of the time in Game 3, the Hurricanes had lots of chances but none going in. The many chances came from the ruthless forecheck, that needs to continue, but can take modifications on how those chances are used.
The forecheck put the Bruins on the ropes and would dispatch every line the Bruins would throw onto the ice, because when the exhausted line that just dumped the puck out, would be replaced by a line that would see the same fate. If the Hurricanes consistently forecheck into oblivion, the Bruins will have no energy to forecheck, themselves.
Game 4 is the fight for survival for the Carolina Hurricanes and they need to bring that energy right off the bat, right from puck drop. In Game 4 of the second round, the Hurricanes kept striking to sweep the New York Islanders and the Hurricanes might find an easier time striking continuously in Game 4, if they play their cards right. The Bruins may look to Game 5, if the Hurricanes take this game early.
This may be the last Keys to a Hurricanes hockey game of the season, but we’re expecting our boys to pull through. Despite the result tonight, the Hurricanes have defied expectations. They did not only make the playoffs, they eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champions, Washington Capitals, they swept the New York Islanders, and they made the Eastern Conference Finals. One win at a time.
Questions for Cardiac Cane Readers: Will the Carolina Hurricanes force a Game 5? Will they force it all the way to Game 7? Will a reverse sweep happen to the Bruins again?