The Anatomy of a Moment: The Carolina Hurricanes Return to the Playoffs After Nearly a Decade

Special teams put the Canes ahead and Mrazek keeps it that way

The Hurricanes spent a lot of time on the power play late in the first period, and they had a 5-on-3 opportunity that carried into the second. Though they didn't score with the two-man advantage, they'd tire the Devils out enough to get the next one while a man up. Justin Faulk uncorked a shot from the point through bodies that beat Cory Schneider over his blocker to give the Canes their first lead of the night early in the second. From there, all they had to do was make sure they got saves from Petr Mrazek, and that they did.

For the first time in over a decade, the Carolina Hurricanes saw a change in the net. Cam Ward, who rose to prominence with his Conn Smythe-winning performance in 2006, opted for a change in scenery during free agency, signing with Chicago. It was thought that Scott Darling had been positioned to be his successor but an injury early in the season allowed newly-signed Petr Mrazek to become the starter. Mrazek was very strong in his first season with the Canes, forming an excellent dup with Curtis McElhinney, who the team picked up off waivers right after the start of the campaign.