It’s been almost breathtaking the ruthlessness the Carolina Hurricanes have played with in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mopping the floor with Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Montréal and stifling all three teams with puck possession and shot volume is impressive, considering how well it’s worked.
Carolina dealing with Vegas is going to be an entirely different challenge. One thing Vegas has that Carolina’s three previous opponents did not is a vast amount of experience. Much of this Vegas team was part of their Stanley Cup title team three seasons ago, and with coach John Tortorella at the helm to keep them on track, it feels like the exact right combination of elements to finally unseat the Hurricanes.
But after years of telling Carolina to “figure it out and win already,” they’re doing it, and my hat’s off to them for doing it and doing so in such a ruthless manner. Any past issues they’ve had in the postseason have been allayed because of their style of play. Frederik Andersen can be great when his workload is lessened. They can pile up goals because opposing goalies, who need to be on their toes constantly, are exhausted. They can wear down opponents by making them chase them to try to change possession.
It’s Carolina’s time. It’s not going to be easy by any means because Vegas is very, very good, but the Hurricanes will take it.
Prediction: Hurricanes in seven
