The Carolina Hurricanes’ Early Power Play Results Are In

Game 3: Tampa Bay Lightning

Power play conversion: 2-for-5 (40%)

Tampa Bay set the power play tone early, taking just five seconds to score on their first opportunity.  A little over five minutes later, the Hurricanes got their first chance, and it was painful to watch. Bad passing led to easy clears for the Lightning, and the home team looked completely discombobulated. They were able to muster a brief setup in the second half of the penalty, but failed to come close to capitalizing.

The second power play, coming just past the midway point of period two, was much better.  The Hurricanes won the draw and executed sharp passing, hemming Tampa Bay in.  Hamilton fired a shot from the point that was stopped by former Carolina netminder Curtis McElhinney. Haula, once again at the front of the net, knocked home the rebound for his third goal of the season.  The Hurricanes would get one additional power play in the period, though it was negated when Teuvo Teravainen took a tripping call just ten seconds in.

Carolina received their fourth man advantage opportunity 12:26 into the third, with Tampa defenseman Braydon Coburn called for hooking.  The Hurricanes wasted no time, winning the draw and setting up a shot from Hamilton that beat McElhinney 22 seconds into the penalty, tying the game at 3.

The fifth and final chance came late in regulation and carried into overtime.  The Hurricanes’ passes were sloppy and they were unable to gain entry until late in the power play. Once they did, they managed a few solid passes and a good shot from Teravainen that was stopped by the Tampa Bay netminder.