Carolina Hurricanes: 5 Most Important Players of the Postseason Surge
By Joshua Ryan
4) Petr Mrazek
Although McElhinney performed in an impossible situation, it was Mrazek whose phenomenal play brought them to that point. The Washington Capitals where the best team in the Metropolitan Division, and for good reason. Mrazek will often be criticized for his overly aggressive style, but that style seems to be the perfect antidote for such a highly skilled Capitals team.
An injury in the seconds round seemed to have halted some of his momentum, and he was unable to find the magic that he had provided late in the regular season and into the playoffs. Yet, Mrazek was still an undeniable factor in the Hurricanes postseason run.
The struggle to find a solid number one goaltender has plagued the Hurricanes for years, and you can honestly say that without Mrazek, the Canes would not be afforded the opportunity to battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup, let alone make it to the final four.
His teammates fed off of his ability to make timely saves, and it often seemed as though he had them believing that, if they continued to play their game hard, he would be able to see them through. The Odd-Couple in Carolina was paramount in their postseason success, and Mrazek set the tone for that charge.