Despite having almost triple the shots on goal as their opponent, the Carolina Hurricanes were brought to overtime for the second consecutive game. But the very last of the Canes’ 38 shots found its mark late in the extra period.
Struggling in Centre Bell, the Canes appeared shaky throughout regulation. Fighting to take a 2-1 series lead, Carolina created an opportunity for winger Andrei Svechnikov to net the game-winner and defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 for the second game in a row.
In a similar fashion to Game 2, Montreal scored the final regulation goal to tie the game at two and force overtime. Goaltender Frederik Andersen stood tall between the pipes, making key saves and keeping his team alive while his forwards went to work. After a combination of passes with center Seth Jarvis, Svechnikov found an open lane and fired a shot past goaltender Jakub Dobeš and into the top of the net to secure the victory.
For the third game in a row, the Hurricanes struck first, getting an early goal on the board. Winger Mark Jankowski fought for the puck and passed across the zone to defenseman Shayne Ghostisbehere. Ghostisbehere sent the puck into the crowd of skaters and got a lucky bounce off the side post into the back of the net, marking his first goal of the postseason.
Physicality was a consistent factor between the two teams, but Carolina’s intensity gave the Hurricanes the edge. The Canes out-hit Montreal 90-34 throughout the first two games, setting the tone with a relentless forecheck. While both teams contributed a share of hits and blocked shots, Carolina’s aggressive style helped push it into the lead as they outhit the Canadiens in Game 3 as well.
Montreal put up a strong fight, answering every Hurricanes goal and preventing them from ever building a multi-goal lead. Defensemen Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson each tallied game-tying goals after Carolina defensive breakdowns led to Montreal counterattacks.
Hutson’s goal came on the man advantage, recording the first power play goal of the series. On the other hand, the Hurricanes’ special teams still seem to struggle in that department and have yet to figure out the man advantage, coming up empty on eight power plays.
The Canadiens were mere inches away from being in Carolina’s shoes and walking away with the series lead. Late in regulation, winger Nikolaj Ehlers tried to block the puck, but it bounced past Andersen, and the Canadiens took a 3-2 lead. Moments later, head coach Rod Brind’Amour challenged the play and the goal was overturned for an offside violation, keeping Carolina alive.
The Hurricanes stay in Montreal for Game 4 against the Canadiens, hoping to return to Raleigh with a 3-1 series lead. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, and the game will be broadcast on TNT.
