3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-0 Series Stranglehold After 2-1 Win – The Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night (April 23) took a 3-0 series lead after defeating the Ottawa Senators 2-1. They now have a stranglehold on the series, with them looking for the sweep on Saturday afternoon. That said, what are the big takeaways from the Game 3 nailbiter in Ottawa?

Takeaway #1: The Second Line Cannot Be Stopped

At this point, it’s almost automatic when it comes to the Hurricanes’ second line to get on the scoresheet. For the third consecutive game, Logan Stankoven scored the opening goal. He became the first player in Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers history to score the opening goal of a playoff game in three straight matchups. Not only that, Stankoven is on an 11-game point streak, while scoring 10 goals in the last 11 games.

Taylor Hall continues to shine, as he contributed to both goals, tallying two assists on the night. He now has four assists and five points in three games. Jackson Blake picked up his fourth point of the series and his first goal, which was the game-winner. The second line in Game 3 combined for four points. That gives them a combined 13 points through three games. Safe to say that the line of Stankoven, Hall, nd Blake are the hottest of the playoffs, not just this series.

Takeaway #2: Frederik Andersen Shuts the Door, Again

After posting a 0.78 goals-against average (GAA) and a .967 save percentage (SV%) through the first two games of the series, Frederik Andersen went and gave up only one goal again. He saved 21 of 22 shots against the Senators in Game 3, posting a 1.00 GAA and a .955 SV%. Through the first three games, Andersen is 3-0-0 with a 0.84 GAA and a .964 SV%. He’s been unreal for Rod Brind’Amour’s side so far this series.

After the win, Hall stated, when asked about Andersen being huge again, “Unreal. Super calm. Everything was in front of him… I think he has another level that he gets to in the playoffs of focus and determination. He’s a rock back there.”

After a so-so regular season, going 16-14-5, the switch was flipped, and now Andersen is playing at a Conn Smythe level already in the playoffs. Now it’ll come down to winning the hardest game in a series, the fourth one. Andersen has been tough to beat, only giving up three goals in three games, and he looks poised no matter the situation. Can he keep it going in Game 4 on Saturday?

Takeaway #3: Hurricanes Up 3-0 with a Series Stranglehold

Following the win, the Hurricanes are now up 3-0 on the series and look to end it on Saturday afternoon. They say the fourth game is the toughest to win, but they also say it’s not a series until a home team loses. With the Hurricanes taking the first game in Ottawa, it’s now a series, and they are on the precipice of ending the series quicker than people thought it would.

The Senators had 46 hits in Game 3 and were trying to put the pressure on the Hurricanes early. However, the Hurricanes fended off the siege, scored first, and got the lead again thanks to Blake’s game-winning goal. With their backs to the wall in a do-or-die Game 4, expect the Senators to come out even more desperate.

The Hurricanes have Friday off before their 3 p.m. puck drop on Saturday. If they can once again smother the Senators and keep them at bay, they could have a solid chance to win Game 4 as well. However, it’s about keeping the focus, staying within their system, and continuing what they’ve been doing all series. If Game 3 was tight, Game 4 will be 10x that with the desperation from both sides. Who will play the hero on Saturday?