Canes Win Game 2 In Brooklyn, 2-1, Take 2-0 Series Lead Back To Raleigh

On December 31st, 2018, the Carolina Hurricanes had one of the worst records in the NHL. Playoffs were not even on the radar for the Canes.

Now, the Canes are up 2-0 in their first-round series against the New York Islanders, and are in great position to take a 3-0 series lead, which would put them one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.

Just minutes ago, the Canes beat the Islanders, 2-1, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup to take that 2-0 series lead. For much of the game, like their first round series against Washington, the Canes were down.

Speaking of being down, the Canes lost a few guys to injury in this game. Starting goalie Petr Mrazek left the game in the second period after a shot off the left leg from Isles’ right winger Leo Komarov. Canes defenseman Trevor Van Reimsdyk left the game with a shoulder injury less than two minutes into the game. Canes right winger Saku Maenalanen left the game with an upper-body injury.

The story of the game, just as it has been all playoffs, was to rally for those who had gone down with injury. After Islanders center Matthew Barzal scored in the first period, the Canes, after a scoreless second period, put two goals of their own on the scoresheet in the third period, 48 seconds apart infact.

Warren Foegele scored the first goal with a beautiful wrist shot that went over Isles goalie Robin Lehner’s stick, and 48 seconds later, Canes winger Nino Neiderreiter scored on a redirect from teammate Teuvo Teravainen.

The Islanders almost scored twice after Neiderreiter’s goal. Islanders center Jordan Eberle hit the crossbar just over McElhinney’s shoulders with about seven minutes to go, while defenseman Ryan Pulock hit the cross with about a minute to go, after the Islanders pulled Lehner.

The Canes, however, held on to win. Curtis McElhinney, the hero of Game 2, made 17 saves after replacing Mrazek, and earned First Star for his results.

Game 3 is Wednesday Night at PNC Arena. The Canes have fed off the energy from their home fans to the tune of three wins in Caniac Country. Can they increase that number to four?

Take Warning.