As we wind down to the playoffs, there is really not much to choose from the NHL’s East division’s top teams (except for the Bruins). Tonight the 100 point Carolina Hurricanes wanted to prove that they are not going to go out 4 straight to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The house was packed and the Hurricanes came to play. Afterall the Canes have 5 playoff appearances to show for Rod Brindamour’s 5 years behind the bench and can clinch the Metropolitan Division soon.
The Leafs had Morgan Reilly back in the line-up for Erik Gufstaven – he started with Luke Schenn. Most eyes were on Mitchell Marner who has had 15 points in his last 8 games and is currently at 92 points.
40 seconds into tonight’s contest, the Hurricanes were awarded a power play followed closely by a 2 man advantage. The Canes dominated and Brent Burns put them out front 1-0. They went up on SOG by 14-6 in very quick order. Jordan Stall cashed in on a loose puck to make it 2 Zip at the 9:08 mark. The Leafs seemed to catch a second wind in the back half, after an unlikely disciplined Bunting play 1 on 1 with Burns led to a strong Toronto PP in which they converted 6 shots. Final SOG 16-16.
Toronto came out in the second with a new zest on life. Calle Jarnkrok, a new diamond in the ruff, got his 18th on a screened wrister to make it 2-1. AM34 followed that with a patented rebound to register his 35th, his 9th in the last 13. There was no give from the Leafs posture on this night.
Stepan Nasan scored on a very determined wrap around to put the Canes back out front. From there the “Carolina Formula” seemed to kick in. Not to be outdone, the Leafs superstar AM34 scored on his 14th shot of the game to put things back into perspective for Leafs Nation with his 36th. With most of us ready for overtime, Sebastion Aho put the Canes back out front followed by an insurance empty netter by Terrivian to make the final 5-3 Carolina.
HOPPER NOTES: The Leafs have 8 games in 13 nights to close things out…great Carolina crowd – they get hockey ! …I’d like to see more of Sam Lafferty…The Leafs had 17 consecutive shots after their rather shabby start…I personally thought the Leafs were done after 7 minutes…y’all know one of my “Pet Peeves”, are those bullshit scrums along the boards (one guy holding off 3 defenders)…what a waste of energy and airtime !!…my solution 1-2 warnings from the ref and then both teams lose a man for delay of game…SOMETHING has GOT to stop this scurge on our game ! …oddly tonight a distinct advantage on faceoffs by an opponent (Carolina)….I sure miss my ACE…CHEERS !