The Carolina Hurricanes did their job on home ice during the first two contests. They scratched and clawed their way to victory in both games at the Lenovo Center, taking a 2-0 series lead in the process. Now, the series shifts up north, giving home ice to the Ottawa Senators for the next two games. With a change of scenery, the Canes must keep their foot on the gas.
Game 2: The Hurricanes got off to a quicker start in the second game, striking on the power play in the first. Logan Stankoven picked up his second goal of the series, with Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake adding their third points, too. Sebastian Aho finished a pass from Jordan Staal on a 2-on-1 to double the lead, but Ottawa fought back with goals from Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens to tie it.
With overtime needed, the Canes thought they'd won the game during the fourth period after Mark Jankowski potted a rebound. However, a lengthy offside review initiated by the league took it off the board. The teams played on until late in the second overtime. Jordan Martinook redeemed his missed penalty shot the period prior, burying a shot in the slot to get the Canes the win for real.
On the Other Side: Ottawa Senators
The story of the series thus far for Ottawa has been the insane goaltending of Linus Ullmark, who has been just about the only reason the Senators have been in a position to win either game in Raleigh. He has stopped 73 of Carolina's 78 shots through two games, including a few jaw-dropping stops in Game 2 to keep his group within striking distance.
Injuries have been another issue, especially on defense. Artem Zub didn't participate in Wednesday's optional skate, leaving his status in question for Game 3. Tyler Kleven is yet to appear in the series as well. The young defenseman hasn't played since the beginning of April. He'll be a major shutdown force when he's good to go for the Senators.
What to Watch in Game 3
New building, new crowd, new Senators: As I said, the Hurricanes did their job by winning both games in Raleigh to begin the series. Now, it's the Senators' turn to enjoy home ice. This Canadian crowd is certain to be rowdy, and the Senators will feed off their energy as they try to work their way back into the series.
The Senators won 23 times at home this season and were in the Top 10 in points during home games. The Canes were very good on the road, finishing tied for second with 24 victories away from Raleigh. Road success during the postseason was hard to come by at one point for the Canes. I feel much more confident in their chances this time around, but by no means do I feel wins are guaranteed.
Stutzle/Tkachuk vs. Jarvis/Svechnikov: It's absurd to me that these four players have combined for zero points in this series, yet that is the reality of their current situation. There have been a few close calls for both of the Senators' forwards. Stutzle hit the post in overtime and started to come alive late in regulation during Game 2. Tkachuk has fallen victim to two incredible Frederik Andersen stops.
Honestly, I have few qualms with Andrei Svechnikov's start. He has a series-high 13 shots. He felt far more dangerous offensively in Game 1 before reverting to his old ways and taking some unneeded penalties in Game 2. Seth Jarvis is who my focus will really be on. It looks like something is wrong, as if he's fighting something. Whether it's himself or injuries, he needs to get rolling.
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