Hurricanes Shoot Down Blackhawks, Extend Streak to Four

Solid Goaltending

For many years, the Hurricanes struggled to have any sort of consistent goaltending. This was one of the many reasons the playoff drought lasted as long as it did. But with Petr Mrazek in the net, the Canes have finally found someone who can hold the fort down and be consistent in the crease. Tonight was no exception to that fact.

I mentioned in my three keys that if Mrazek was the starter, this was his chance to prove he can perform on the road as well. And to say the least, he definitely did. After being so successful at home, it was important for Mrazek to find some consistency on the road, and tonight was a big step forward in that sense.

Mrazek stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced. For the longest time, it looked like he was well on his way to a shutout. Once Carolina started playing sloppy, Chicago pounced on that opportunity and got two passed Mrazek. But besides that roughly two-minute sequence, he was perfect, making timely stops and keeping Carolina in the game when they needed him most.

Robin Lehner played very well himself. His defense left him hanging out to dry on a few of the goals scored tonight, but he continues to show just how good of a goaltender he truly is. He gave his team every chance to win the game, and that’s really all you can ask for out of your goaltender.