Maintaining leads has been something that the Carolina Hurricanes have struggled with all season, and Monday night was no different as Carolina (52-22-7) squandered a 2-0 first-period lead to the Philadelphia Flyers (42-27-12), falling 3-2 in a shootout.
But, despite allowing the comeback and giving up what should have been a simple win, the Canes got the point they needed to secure the top seed in the East for the first time in franchise history.
Carolina came into the match with a depleted roster, using its healthy scratches on its top players. Centers Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Jordan Staal, along with defensemen Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere and winger Andrei Svechnikov all rode the bench.
Despite missing its top scorers, Carolina’s makeshift lines struck fast and hard as winger Bradly Nadeau scored just his third goal of the season to draw first blood. Carolina’s more seasoned line added to the lead as left-wing Nikolaj Ehlers scored on the power play via assists from center Logan Stankoven and right-wing Jackson Blake.
But with a 2-0 lead, Carolina got complacent, and a playoff-hungry Flyers team was fighting for its first playoff spot since 2020.
Right-wing Matvei Michkov began the climb back with a goal nearly midway through the second period, and he provided the momentum needed for center Trevor Zegras to secure the game-tying goal just three minutes later during a power play.
By the time the third period rolled around, the life had been taken out of Carolina’s offense, unable to regain its lead and moving on to overtime.
When the standoff lasted throughout the five-minute extra period, it moved to a dramatic shootout, where neither of the team’s first three shots could get through. But on the fourth attempt, right-wing Tyson Foerster snuck the puck past netminder Brandon Bussi, sending his squad to the playoffs in front of its home crowd.
While Carolina ultimately benefited from the match, fans have reason for concern after another on-the-road collapse. In this area, the Canes have struggled throughout the playoffs for the last few years.
The Hurricanes stay in the northeast for their final game of the season, taking on the New York Islanders on Tuesday, April 14. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
