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The Anatomy of a Moment: EBUG Comes to the Rescue as the Canes Embarrass Toronto

During a mid-February tilt in Toronto, the unthinkable happened, leading to one of the most amazing nights in NHL history.

By Ben Huffman

Dallas Stars v Carolina Hurricanes
Dallas Stars v Carolina Hurricanes / Grant Halverson/GettyImages
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The team picks up Ayres in the third

Feb 22, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Haydn Fleury (4) and forward Nino Niederreiter (21) congratulate forward Martin Necas (88) on his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Carolina defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Haydn Fleury (4) and forward Nino Niederreiter (21) congratulate forward Martin Necas (88) on his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Carolina defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

With their lead back down to one goal and an inexperienced goalie in the net, the Hurricanes had to become the more desperate team. Toronto made it a little easier for the Canes to re-establish their lead. Jake Muzzin's pass was a little too strong for Denis Malgin, allowing Warren Foegele to swoop in and score his second goal of the night 53 seconds into the final frame.

Less than three minutes later, Rasmus Sandin's cross-ice pass to Tyson Barrie was offline. Eric Haula put his chance off the post, but Barrie's failed clearing attempt was knocked down by Martin Necas, who backhanded it home to extend their lead back to three goals. Just four minutes into the period, the Hurricanes had stunned the Toronto crowd.

The only thing left was for David Ayres to do his part. The Canes' defense allowed very little to get to him, making Ayres' life a little easier. Ayres only faced seven shots in the third period, and he stopped all of them. Zach Hyman had the best chance on a Toronto power play, but Ayres stood tall. The final horn sounded as the Toronto faithful gave the night's winning goaltender an ovation as the Canes took home a 6-3 victory. The boys in the locker room gave his a great response, too.