The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from the Stanley Cup Final. That sentence alone is enough to make a fan giddy with excitement. However, that means there is still work to be done. The Canes played two excellent games in Montreal to start the week, pushing the Canadiens to the brink of elimination. For the first time in the series, the Canes actually showed their best in Game 4.
Game 4: The Canes scored late in the first period to break the ice, and the goals came quickly for them over the final five minutes. Sebastian Aho buried a blast on the power play. Jordan Staal added another 68 seconds later. Logan Stankoven finished a 2-on-1, making it three goals in 2:47. Andrei Svechnikov found the empty net in a 4-0 win, earning Frederik Andersen his third shutout.
On the Other Side: Montreal Canadiens
This is unfamiliar territory for the Canadiens this postseason. While they have faced elimination twice, they were also on the right side of a 3-2 series against both Tampa Bay and Buffalo before losing in Game 6 and staring at the threat of their season coming to an end in Game 7s. This time, they're down 3-1 in the series, and they aren't showing many signs of life.
It starts at the very top for Montreal. Since combining for eight points in Game 1, the Canadiens' top line has just one assist and 14 shots over the last three games. One thing they shouldn't be concerned about is the work of their goalie. Jakub Dobes has been phenomenal in the series, posting a .916 save percentage in Games 2 through 4 despite three straight losses.
What to Watch in Game 5
Montreal on the ropes and on the road: The Canadiens at home and the Canadiens on the road are two very different animals this postseason. At home, they've won just twice in eight games, being outscored 26-18. On the road, they've won seven of ten while outscoring their opponents 35-24. It might be a good thing that they're on the road for this first elimination game.
Game 1 was easily the Habs' best of the series, but they were held to just 12 shots in an overtime loss in Game 2 in Raleigh. The Canes made the proper adjustments to make life miserable for Montreal in three straight victories. What will Montreal do to keep its season alive? They looked a little lifeless in the third period on Wednesday, which won't sit well with their bench boss.
The Hurricanes can't let up now: Bringing a 3-1 series lead back to Raleigh was huge for the Hurricanes. It gives them three chances to finish the job, though it would be nice if they could get it done tonight. However, a 3-1 series lead isn't what you play for. You have to win four games to finish a series, so there's still food left on the Canes' plate.
I don't expect to see as flawless a performance as we saw on Wednesday night, but they have to keep their foot on the gas just a little longer. They are approaching the finish line of the Eastern Conference Finals, but they haven't crossed it yet. The Canadiens won't go down without a fight. The Canes must break their will and stick to their game to get it done tonight at home.
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