Carolina Hurricanes: Game 5 a Must-Win vs Bruins
The Carolina Hurricanes are in must-win territory.
Technically, the Canes don’t have to win Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First Round matchup against the Boston Bruins, as the best-of-seven series is knotted up at two games apiece.
However, Carolina has lost all momentum, and a third consecutive loss could lead to elimination.
Things certainly went well for the Hurricanes during their first stint at home in this series. They were able to take a 2-0 series lead thanks to a 5-1 win in Game 1 and a 5-2 win in Game 2.
Things changed completely, though, when the series shifted to Boston, as the Bruins evened things up. The Hurricanes scored a combined four goals in two games in Bean Town after recording five goals in each of the two contests in Raleigh.
The Hurricanes need to win Game 5.
A return to North Carolina, therefore, is the perfect time for the Canes to retake control of this series. Momentum is a huge part of the postseason, and entering Game 5, it all belongs to the Bruins.
The crowd in Boston in Game 4 contributed in a big way to the home team’s success, and if the B’s return home in Game 6 with a chance to advance to the next round, that crowd will once again give them the boost they need.
Without a Game 5 win, Carolina would be heading into enemy territory with the opposing fans fired up and elimination looming. Not to mention, that would have the Canes on a three-game skid, which is a recipe for disaster in the playoffs.
With all of that said, this next contest is critically important for the Canes. They need to get their stars back on track after several went cold in Boston. They also need to get back to elite defense to slow the Bruins’ stars.
Forward Brad Marchand, who welcomed David Pastrnak back to the top line on Sunday, had five points (two goals and three assists) in Game 4. He had eight points in the two games at home, while his linemates combined for eight more.
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Game 5 is set to be a defining moment in this series. If the Hurricanes can get back on track, they will have two opportunities to close out the Bruins. If Boston wins and continues to stay hot, Carolina might not get the chance to return home for a Game 7.