The Carolina Hurricanes are closing in on their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 2006.
After consecutive wins against the Montreal Canadiens in Games 2 and 3, Carolina has the chance to extend their lead in Montreal. The Hurricanes are currently 5-0 on the road in the postseason.
However, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour dismisses the notion of momentum. He said teams learn from previous games and make adjustments, but momentum doesn’t dictate the outcome.
Close Games Highlight Tight Series
The Hurricanes have had the advantage in the past two games, limiting the Canadiens to 12 and 13 shots on goal respectively. Carolina won each of those games 3-2 in overtime, demonstrating the narrow margins in this series.
Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson pointed out how close the series is. He said the Canadiens are only two shots away from being up 3-0 in the series.
Montreal, after losing two straight for the first time this postseason, are in a must-win situation. A loss would put them in a 3-1 series deficit heading back to Carolina.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis remains optimistic. “I’m expecting us be ready. We’re trailing but we’re not dead. We will continue,” he said.
Historical Odds Favour Carolina
Teams that take a 3-1 lead in a best-of-7 series have a strong record of 329-32. When starting the series at home, that record is even better at 213-17, which the Hurricanes did.
Canadiens’ Home Woes
The atmosphere at the Canadiens arena has been electric during the postseason. The decibel level reached 114 during one point in a game.
But the Canadiens have struggled to convert that energy into wins. They are 2-5 at home in the postseason, having lost their last three home games. These include Games 4 and 6 to the Buffalo Sabres in the second round and Game 3 to the Hurricanes.
St. Louis said he can’t really explain the home record. He acknowledged they are playing good teams, some of which are also good on the road.
Hurricanes’ Road Success
The Hurricanes are 5-0 on the road in the postseason. With their Game 3 win in Montreal, they became the first team to win their first five or more road games in a postseason since the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall believes there are advantages to playing on the road. He said there are fewer distractions and less anxiety compared to playing at home.
- Hurricanes are 10-1 in the postseason.
- The Canadiens are 2-5 at home in the postseason.
- The Hurricanes are 5-0 on the road in the postseason.
The Hurricanes look to press their advantage when the series continues.