Nikolaj Ehlers delivered a defining performance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final. This win also shifted the momentum in the series against the Montreal Canadiens. And Ehlers took the chance to state where the Hurricanes were better than their rivals.

Speaking to Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas after the game, Ehlers reflected on how Carolina closed out the game under pressure. Despite a few mistakes, he felt his team was better than the opponents. 

“Sticking with it. I mean, I think in overtime we were the better team. We put it on them. Overall, I think we played a really good game. We just made a few mistakes, and they're too good of a team to not score on those chances that they get. So overall, really good game, and we stuck with it.”

He was very emotional while describing this moment. And he should be, because he helped his team win such a big, high-pressure game on a huge stage.

The 30-year-old also said, “I still feel it. I'm shaking a little bit. I got goosebumps to do this. You know, I've loved it here since day one. And with the fans here, it was special.”

Ehlers praised Carolina’s playoff atmosphere. He said the passionate crowd reminded him of the electric postseason environment he experienced in Winnipeg.

“Unreal. You know, coming from Winnipeg, where the fans are unbelievable and, you know, in the playoffs, it's incredible. To hear where it's incredible, I couldn't have asked for much more.”

Nikolaj Ehlers made a huge impact in the close Game 2 encounter. He scored in the second period at 17:03 when the score was 1-1. Both teams kept creating chances in the game.

Then, in overtime, with the score tied 2-2, Ehlers scored the winning goal at 03:29 and finished the game. He helped his team secure a 3-2 victory in OT. 

Nikolaj Ehlers Expects Tough Battle as Series Shifts to Montreal

Ideally, the Carolina Hurricanes wanted a 2-0 series lead before going into Game 3. But the Montreal Canadiens are also a very strong team. Nikolaj Ehlers admitted that he is expecting a tough series.

“We wanted to go to Montreal with two wins, but, you know, they're a great team. They came out ready to go in that first game, and we weren't. This is going to be a tough series. They're a really good team, but so are we.”

He is looking forward to playing in Montreal’s building. “So to go to Montreal and play in that building is going to be pretty cool.”

The Hurricanes will now play the Canadiens in Game 3 on May 25, 2026. Let’s see who will take the lead in the series.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Souvik Roy