RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes evened the Eastern Conference Final at one game apiece Saturday night with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens, getting a decisive goal from offseason acquisition Nikolaj Ehlers at 3:29 of extra time. Ehlers scored twice in the win, including the game-winner after a quick transition play started by Jalen Chatfield and Mark Jankowski. Carolina also received a goal from Eric Robinson, while Frederik Andersen helped the Hurricanes rebound after a disappointing 6-2 loss in Game 1.
The victory was a response to pressure on Carolina, which had been criticized after being overwhelmed early in the series opener. This time, the Hurricanes played with more of the aggressive forecheck and defensive structure that carried them through the earlier rounds of the playoffs. They limited Montreal to 12 shots on goal and reduced the breakaways and clean transition chances that had fueled the Canadiens’ Game 1 success. Coach Rod Brind’Amour said Ehlers’ talent was on full display, and the forward delivered in a key moment after Carolina’s defense created a turnover and quick entry into the offensive zone.
Montreal again got offense from Josh Anderson, who scored twice, including the tying goal late in the third period to send the game to overtime. Goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots but was beaten quickly in the extra session. He said the winner came so fast that Montreal did not have time to recover or settle back into the play.
The game marked a sharp contrast from the opener, when Montreal scored four goals in the first 11 1/2 minutes and repeatedly found space on rushes and breakouts against Andersen. In Game 2, Carolina was far more disciplined in neutralizing those opportunities and dictated more of the pace. Martin St. Louis said his team was not terrible, but not as sharp as it was in the series opener.
Carolina improved to 4-0 in overtime during this postseason and continued its strong home record in extra time. The series now shifts to Canada for Game 3 on Monday, with both teams tied and momentum reset after a hard-fought split in Raleigh.
