The Hurricanes defeat the Canadiens to tie the Eastern Conference Final, the latest on the Avalanche and Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice, including the winner in overtime, as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, squaring the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.
Eric Robinson opened the scoring for the Hurricanes while Jalen Chatfield and Mark Jankowski each collected two assists.
Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images)
Josh Anderson scored both goals for the Canadiens. Linemate Phillip Danault had two assists, and Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots.
The series moves to Montreal for the next two games, with Game 3 on Monday at 8 pm ET.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: After getting humbled in Game 1, the real Hurricanes showed up for Game 2. They were more positionally sound and did a terrific job disrupting Montreal’s puck-moving ability, especially through the neutral zone. Meanwhile, they generated plenty of sustained pressure in the Canadiens’ zone, keeping them hemmed in for long periods.
The Canadiens did a good job defensively for the most part, but they were frustrated offensively for much of this game. Anderson’s goals resulted from generating opportunities by driving to the net to create traffic and rebounds. The Habs must do more of that, rather than wait for the perfect scoring opportunities, because the Hurricanes are taking away their time and space to create those plays.
Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was shaken up from a hit by Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall during overtime and limped to the bench. Head coach Martin St. Louis was not asked about Hutson’s condition, so perhaps he’s not that badly hurt. The Habs cannot afford to lose their top defenseman, who has also been their most reliable offensive player in this postseason.
DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said it will be up to Cale Makar to determine whether he’ll return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, who hold a 2-0 lead in the series.
The Avs’ superstar defenseman missed the first two games with an undisclosed injury suffered during their second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Bednar said Makar is “doing all the work” attempting to get back into this series, but the final decision rests with the blueliner.
THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the Avalanche needs more production from its stars, with or without Makar. The usually high-scoring Avs managed only three goals in the first two games against the Golden Knights.
Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Brock Nelson combined for one assist in those two games. They have no points at even strength.
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights are 17-4-1 since John Tortorella took over as head coach on March 29.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have done a fine job neutralizing the Avalanche’s offense. They’re getting solid goaltending from Carter Hart, they’re winning the puck battles, they’re blocking shots relentlessly, and they’re counter-attacking quickly.
If the Golden Knights win Game 3 on Sunday, the Avalanche will end up in a hole in this series that’s so deep they’re unable to climb out of it.
TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract.