The Carolina Hurricanes did something that many thought was impossible. They actually won a game in the Eastern Conference Finals before falling too deep into a hole. The Canes won Game 2 in overtime to knot the series with the Canadiens, avoiding a 2-0 deficit, and putting history on their side. They have never lost in the conference finals after winning the second game.
Game 2: The Canes got off to another early start, with Eric Robinson scoring for the second straight game on a redirection. Josh Anderson tied it later in the first period before Nikolaj Ehlers buried a beautiful goal late in the second to retake the lead. Late in regulation, Anderson tied it once more, sending the contest to overtime, where Ehlers scored early in the fourth period to even the series.
On the Other Side: Montreal Canadiens
Saturday's loss at the Lenovo Center was just the Canadiens' third road loss in 10 games this postseason, after losing once each to Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Montreal managed just 12 shots in just over 60 minutes, though many of them came from dangerous areas. Along with being outshot, they were outhit 46-16, but they managed to keep things close thanks to Jakub Dobes.
While the Canadiens' top line put together a great effort in Game 1, Montreal's best line through two games has been the Danault line. Phillip Danault has back-to-back multi-point games after recording two assists on Saturday, Josh Anderson scored both of their goals, and Alexander Texier put himself on the scoresheet in ways that were slightly more controversial.
What to Watch in Game 3
Hutson should be good to go: One of the less talked-about moments from Game 2 was Lane Hutson getting hit by Taylor Hall in overtime. Hutson was none too pleased about the hit, nor were the fans online. Hall holds a slight reputation after his hit on Jake Sanderson in the first round, but this didn't seem nearly as bad, though the contact appeared to accidentally be knee-on-knee.
Hutson was shaken up by the hit, but I don't think Canadiens fans will have anything to worry about. Asked about Hutson during his media availability on Sunday, Head Coach Martin St. Louis said that Hutson should be fine for Game 3. I'm also intrigued to see if anyone goes after Hall. I don't think he really deserves anything to happen to him, but the hockey way of life seems to be "an eye for an eye".
Road teams have fared well this postseason: The Hurricanes haven't been on the road much during the playoffs, but they came out of both games in Ottawa and Philadelphia with wins. It has been a common trend throughout the playoffs. The road team has won 38 of the 71 games to this point, including three of five games during the conference finals.
Historically, the Canes have played well in Montreal during the postseason. In 2002, they won two of their three road visits, including the Molson Miracle in Game 4. In 2006, they turned the series around by winning Game 3 in overtime before winning Games 4 and 6 at Centre Bell as well. That's not to say it's a sign of things to come, but it's nice to know that there is precedent.
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