3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-2 Game 3 Overtime Win Over Canadiens

For the second straight game, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime, and are now leading the Eastern Conference Final 2-1. After a wild night that saw goals get taken off the board, questionable calls, and non-calls, the Hurricanes managed to win a game in Montreal. What were the main takeaways from their Game 3 win at the Bell Centre?

Takeaway #1: Hurricanes Win Again in Overtime

Just like in Game 2, the Hurricanes managed to snag another overtime winner in part due to Andrei Svechnikov‘s second goal of the playoffs. Ahead of the series, the hope was that the top line would get on the scoresheet. After three games, both Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis have scored in this series. The Hurricanes’ win marked the fifth time they won 3-2 in overtime this postseason. More importantly, that has happened in consecutive games, giving them a 2-1 series lead. It’s clear that the Hurricanes love to win games in overtime, and it has to be 3-2.

Overall, it was a battle between the Hurricanes and Canadiens in Game 3 to see who would put pressure on the other ahead of Wednesday’s Game 4. While Frederik Andersen made only 11 saves on 13 shots, the defense was strong offensively and defensively. Furthermore, it was not just one line doing all of the work; it was a total team effort in the win.

Takeaway #2: Total Team Effort

While Svehcnikov did get the game-winning goal, it was started by the defense-turned-offense of Shayne Gostisbehere, who scored his first of the playoffs. What led to the goal was great board battles by Eric Robinson and Mark Jankowski, who were giving the Canadiens fits in the corner. That gave enough of a distraction for Gostisbehere to get wide open on the other side of the goal to net his first of the postseason.

After being neutralized in the first two games, the second line was able to get on the board, in part due to Taylor Hall just being in the right spot at the right time. K’Andre Miller was able to get a pass from Jackson Blake and find Hall cross-crease, who eventually stuffed it home on his second attempt.

When it came down to it, it was the defense, top six, and even the bottom six getting in on the action to secure the victory. While the penalty kill did go 1-for-2, there was some good effort all around. Furthermore, the Hurricanes held the Canadiens to 13 shots total, with zero in overtime. It got to the point where the Canadiens did not have a shot for the last 37:43 of the game. It was a complete shutdown effort for Rod Brind’Amour’s side.

Takeaway #3: Hurricanes Take 2-1 Series Lead

Not only did the Hurricanes pick up the win in Game 3, but they are now leading an Eastern Conference Final series for the first time since 2006. Ever since 2019, they have never led in Round 3 until Monday night (May 25). Now they’re two wins away from the Stanley Cup Final, but the focus will be one game at a time.

They’ve been fighting hard this series, now with back-to-back 3-2 overtime wins against the Canadiens. Furthermore, they won another road game to go 5-0 this postseason away from the Lenovo Center. They always say a series does not start until you win on the road. Well, the Hurricanes did just that in Game 3. If the Hurricanes win Game 4 on Wednesday, that will put all the pressure on the Canadiens heading into Game 5 on Friday, May 29. However, the focus will be on Game 4, where they hope to replicate what they’ve done in Games 2 and 3, shutting down the Canadiens and finding any way to win a game.

As of now, they’re getting contributions from everywhere, along with some decent goaltending, despite the save percentage taking a hit. However, Andersen has given up two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 games played this postseason. The question is, can the Hurricanes keep this going and do it again on Wednesday?