The Carolina Hurricanes are off to a great start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Carolina took Game 1 of its Eastern Conference First Round Series against the Boston Bruins on Monday, 5-1. The physical, fast-paced game went the Canes’ way, thanks to a couple of key factors.
One of the difference makers was Carolina’s penalty-killing unit. The Hurricanes’ PK was the best in the NHL in the regular season by nearly three percent, and it came up clutch to start the playoffs, going three-for-three against Boston’s dangerous power play.
The biggest moment of the game for the Hurricanes’ penalty killers came about halfway through the final frame, when the score was 3-1 and the B’s were within striking distance.
Carolina put on an impressive defensive display, holding the Bruins to zero shot attempts while with the man-advantage. The Canes not only shut down an opportunity for Boston to get within a goal, but it swung the momentum clearly in the favor of the home team.
Penalty killing and goaltending led the way in Game 1 for the Hurricanes.
Not only did the penalty-killing unit do its job, but goaltender Antti Raanta was absolutely fantastic for the Hurricanes. The 32-year-old netminder made his postseason debut in this game and saved 35 out of the 36 shots he faced.
Carolina’s defense was the best in the NHL in the regular season, led primarily by goaltender Frederik Andersen. While he is sidelined with an injury, the crease will belong to Raanta.
I have no doubts that Raanta can be great between the pipes for the Canes if he’s healthy, but that’s where I get nervous. He has not had great injury luck in his career, and there was even a time near the end of April when both he and Andersen were unavailable.
Still, he was lights out in Game 1, and as a result, the Hurricanes are off to a great start against a Bruins team that comes into this series with plenty of talent and postseason experience.
Game 2 between the Canes and B’s will be Wednesday, May 7 at 7:00 PM in Raleigh.