While the common saying suggests playing hard for a full 60 minutes is key to playoff success, the Carolina Hurricanes proved Saturday night that sometimes a strong performance over 30 minutes is enough.
After a quiet start for the home team in Raleigh, the Hurricanes rediscovered their game and completely took over the momentum, earning a convincing 4-0 win to grab a 2-1 advantage in the series at home. This victory extends their perfect 4-0 home record in the current post-season.
Here are the key observations from the game:
Hurricanes Shift into High Gear, Capitals Struggle to Match
The Lenovo Centre in Raleigh is known for being a difficult venue for visiting clubs, but for a significant portion of the first half of Saturday`s contest between Carolina and Washington, the Capitals looked quite comfortable. As the third game of the second-round matchup began, Washington held all the momentum, employing a possession-heavy style that closely resembled the Hurricanes` usual approach.
Carolina appeared out of sync and lacked energy, as the Capitals outshot, outskated, and generally outplayed the Hurricanes at their own game. However, despite multiple prime opportunities, Washington couldn`t find the back of the net. Even with no goals scored after the opening period, it was evident the Capitals were in control at that point, and it seemed only a matter of time before their efforts would pay off.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour was candid when asked about his team`s performance midway through the game during the broadcast.
“We haven`t found our game all night. We`re just trying to hang in there right now,” Brind’Amour said from the bench during a timeout halfway through the second period. “We need to elevate our play.”
His words might have struck a chord with the team, as they elevated their game shortly thereafter. Less than three minutes later, Andrei Svechnikov broke the scoreless tie with an unassisted goal off an offensive zone faceoff at the 12:34 mark of the second period.
