The Carolina Hurricanes are going to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006 after beating the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Final. They lost Game 1, but bounced back quickly and won the next four games in a row to reach hockey’s biggest stage. 

Strong special teams, great play from the centers, and several other key factors helped the Hurricanes win the series. In this piece, we will see the five takeaways from the Hurricanes' EC Finals triumph. 

5 Observations From the Hurricanes’ Eastern Conference Finals Triumph

Here are five big reasons behind Carolina’s Eastern Conference Final success.

Carolina Hurricanes Neutralized Montreal’s Dangerous Power Play

One of the biggest reasons for Carolina’s success was its discipline. Before the series, many wondered if the Hurricanes could stay out of the penalty box against Montreal’s dangerous power play. 

They answered that challenge by smothering only 13 penalties in five games. Carolina also earned more power-play opportunities, 19 to 13. Both teams scored two power-play goals, but Montreal’s man advantage rarely made a difference. That allowed the Hurricanes to control the pace and momentum of the series. 

The Hurricanes Dominated the Center Position

The Carolina Hurricanes got strong performances from their centers throughout the series. Montreal’s centers, Nick Suzuki and Phillip Danault, played well in the first two games, but their production subsequently dropped. Of their nine points in the series, they added just one after Game 2.

Carolina’s centers stayed effective from start to finish. Mark Jankowski matched forward Sebastian Aho's three points. Meanwhile, Jordan Staal brought physical play, recorded 32 hits, and won 56.7 percent of his faceoffs.

The squad overall remained productive, with forward Logan Stankoven leading the way with four points, including three in Game 5.

Carolina Found Its Rhythm While Montreal Lost Momentum

After a long break between the playoffs, the Hurricanes looked a little rusty in Game 1 and suffered their first playoff loss. They made some mistakes in their own zone and struggled at times in transition.

But Carolina quickly found its rhythm. As the series went on, Montreal looked tired and struggled to create scoring chances. The Canadiens’ top players had less impact, and goals became hard to come by. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes improved with each game and finished the series with two strong wins.

Jakub Dobes Kept Montreal Competitive

One player who gave the Hurricanes the most trouble was Canadiens' goaltender Jakub Dobes.

Dobes was one of Montreal’s best players in the series. He made several big saves and helped keep the games close. In the first three games, he stopped many good scoring chances and prevented Carolina from taking full control.

The Hurricanes finally found their scoring touch in Games 4 and 5, but Dobes played a big role in keeping the series competitive for as long as he did. While the Canadiens were crushed 6-1 in Game 5, Dobes played well and made 23 saves.

This Hurricanes Team Is Different

The biggest takeaway from this series is that the Hurricanes look ready to make history. After a tough Game 1 loss, many had doubts due to Carolina’s previous struggles in playoffs.

But the Hurricanes answered those questions by winning four straight games. They wrestled back control after two hard fought victories before marching to dominant 4-0 and 6-1 wins in Game 4 and 5.

They were the better team and deserved a place in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Hurricanes did everything well in the Eastern Conference Final. They stayed disciplined, got strong play from their centers, overcame a slow start, and handled every challenge.

Now, Carolina is in its first Stanley Cup Final since 2006. Standing in their way are the Vegas Golden Knights, who arrive after sweeping the Colorado Avalanche.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul