Rewind: The Night the Carolina Hurricanes almost won The Cup
By Jeb Bohn
Periods 2 & 3
Compared to the opening stanza, the second was much more controlled and deliberate. While each team showed greater discipline, they did still take early penalties—one apiece—but the shorthanded units were able to get the job done.
That changed as the midway point approached. Edmonton’s Steve Staios was sent off for hooking, giving the Hurricanes their second man-advantage opportunity of the period. This time they wouldn’t squander it and, as it had been in the first, it was Staal who capitalized. When a point shot from Whitney went wide, the young center—who was at the goal line—prodded the loose puck under Markkanen and tied the game at 3.
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Carolina killed off another penalty—a high-sticking call on Brind’Amour—and the teams returned to their dressing rooms to prepare for the third. The Oilers received 2 power-play chances in the final period of regulation, thanks to calls on Mike Commodore and Vasicek, but were unable to beat the Hurricanes’ rookie netminder. The Hurricanes responded with their own flurries, their best chance to score the go-ahead goal stymied when Markkanen made a telepathic glove save on Whitney.
With both goaltenders holding strong, the series got its first and only taste of overtime.
It would offer no shortage of drama.