
Where to Go From Here
The Carolina Hurricanes need to leave it all on the ice.
Unfortunately, the Hurricanes have exhausted their safety net. One more loss and the Hurricanes will be sent home to Raleigh until the start of the regular season. However, there is still reason to be hopeful that the Hurricanes can work their magic and come out victorious against the Bruins.
The Hurricanes team that swept the Rangers is the most dominating I have seen the team all season. Although the Canes have not recaptured that magic against the Bruins, my hope remains that since they have been able to harness that energy they can find a way to make it happen against the Bruins.
There are no more second chances, and the Canes will have to feel true desperation in order to make every play count. The Canes won’t have to reach far to find that desperation since this is their last chance to stay alive in the series.
Justin Williams: "We've got a lot more to give, and we plan on being here a long time." pic.twitter.com/qq2SdKvQLW
— Michael Smith (@MichaelSmithNC) August 15, 2020
I believe in this team, and I believe that they can come together to pull out a victory in game five. The path to that victory starts with the excellent forecheck that was established against the Rangers. The best way to neutralize the Bruins is to not give them a chance to establish their offensive game.
This forecheck was apparent in the second period of tonight’s game, where Carolina arguably played their best period against the Bruins in the whole series. The team that can beat the Bruins is there, but the boys must focus on a complete effort for the entire 60 minutes. As we saw tonight, the Bruins will take a mile when they are given an inch.
Second, getting to the net and shooting as many pucks as possible at the net is as important as ever. Halak was caught off of his game tonight, and I think cutting off his vision of the shotting lane by posting in front of the net and taking chances with shots are going to weaken his ability to stop pucks.
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Last but not least, the blueliners must protect James Reimer and Petr Mrazek. Mrazek has been nothing short of solid, and Reimer has been outstanding as well despite his numbers tonight (which are the result of the defense allowing the Bruins to get to the net without resistance). Give Reimer and Mrazek the chance to do what they do best by keeping pucks out of the zone.
It’s hard to shake off the disappointment of tonight’s game, but if any team can battle back from diversity its the Carolina Hurricanes. If they can truly play the way that they are known for, then Boston will be in the rearview in a few games. Goodnight Caniacs, let’s support the boys all the way until the last whistle.
Question for CC Readers: What is your biggest takeaway from last night’s disaster?