For the first time this postseason, the Carolina Hurricanes are working from a deficit. Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens played much like many in years past. The Canes scored early, but they fell apart defensively on the way to a 6-2 loss, their first of the playoffs. Saturday night presented as a chance to draw even as they get their legs back under them.
Despite the poor result, the Hurricanes stuck to their guns and kept everything exactly the same. Frederik Andersen was back in the net after allowing as many goals in one game as he had against the Flyers in the second round. The Canadiens kept it the same, too, which makes sense after a lopsided win.
It was another decent start to the game for the Hurricanes as their fourth line stayed hot. Eric Robinson opened the scoring with his second goal in as many games, redirecting a shot around Jakub Dobes' skate. The Canes were dominating, but a bad turnover proved costly. Taylor Hall couldn't get the puck out, and Josh Andersen finished the shot. Just like that, it was tied at one.
The Canes continued their dominance over the contest in the second period, but they weren't rewarded for their efforts until late in the frame. Nikolaj Ehlers picked up the puck in the neutral zone with a ton of speed, made two defenders miss, and threw it between Dobes' pads to put the Canes back ahead. Things got testy, so to speak, at the end of the period, but the Canes kept their 2-1 lead.
The Canadiens refused to go away quietly. Dobes made a few sterling saves on one end, and their offense generated its best chances of the night. Eventually, it led to them tying the game. Late in regulation, Anderson won a battle in front of the net and popped a loose puck past Andersen. For the fourth time this postseason, and the third time in a Game 2, the Canes were heading to overtime.
Overtime didn't last very long, and it was almost all Carolina. The winning goal came off the stick of Ehlers. Jalen Chatfield made a big play at the defensive blue line to keep the puck from getting deep, Mark Jankowski made a good touch pass into open space, and Ehlers snapped it past Dobes, winning the game and tying the series at a game apiece.
LETTING IT FLY IN OT pic.twitter.com/H1vJS4rhxg
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 24, 2026
These are the moments that the Hurricanes signed Ehlers for
We can say whatever we want about how Nikolaj Ehlers started the season or the postseason, but he has shown up when the moment has gotten big. Tonight's game could've been a massive tipping point in the series if the Canes had lost and gone into a 2-0 hole. Ehlers played his biggest game of the season tonight, scoring two incredible goals.
His first goal was all about speed and puck handling. He made Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson look silly trying to defend him before giving the Canes a 2-1 lead in the second period. In overtime, Ehlers caught Jakub Dobes guessing. The Montreal netminder was leaning one way. Ehlers shot it the other way. The crowd went nuts, and we can all agree that we're happy that Ehlers is a Hurricane.
The entire group stepped up defensively big time in Game 2
The story of the opening game was how much the defense broke down and made it easy for the Canadiens to score goals. That was not the case tonight. This was a huge turnaround for the entire team. There were huge moments throughout the night, but one that really stands out is Andrei Svechnikov's stick breaking up a breakaway for Nick Suzuki late in the second period.
While everyone was great, it started at the top with Jaccob Slavin and Jalen Chatfield. They combined to go -7 in Game 1. Tonight, they were each a +3, and Chatfield added a pair of helpers, including the secondary apple on the game-winner. Slavin was a menace on the penalty kill, as he usually is, using his stick to thwart passes and block shots. That's what we're used to seeing.
Additional Thoughts
The fourth line had another outstanding game. All three forwards contributed to Eric Robinson's opening goal, even if it wasn't the fastest-moving shot on the planet. The winning goal came during a partial change, giving Mark Jankowski a chance to earn his second point of the game with the primary assist. They've been easily the team's best line through two games.
Along with a decided edge in shots, the Hurricanes were also very physical. They outhit the Canadiens, 46-16. Jordan Staal led the way with 10, while Svechnikov and K'Andre Miller had six each. A hit in overtime by Taylor Hall on Lane Hutson left the Canadiens' defenseman lame, which will be a story to watch over the next few days.
This was the response I expected to see from the Hurricanes after a devastating showing in Game 1. While by no means an easy victory, seeing as the game went to overtime, the Canes deserved this outcome. They were the better team almost all night, limiting Montreal's chances. They still have some areas to clean up, but this felt like a breath of fresh air.
Up Next: The series is heading north of the border for the next two games. The Canadiens will host Game 3 on Monday night and Game 4 on Wednesday night. With their win tonight, the Hurricanes ensured that the series will return to Raleigh next Friday night for a fifth game. Any additional games in the series are yet to be determined.
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