TC Martin

Canes Anwer with Win to Tie Series 2-2

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The craziness as we know of this Stanley Cup Finals continues to get even crazier and more unpredictable. 

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After one of the wilder games in recent Stanley Cup Finals history where we saw both teams put up four consecutive goals and battle through two overtimes, it was nearly more of the same in Game 4 Tuesday Night at T-Mobile Arena.   

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The Carolina Hurrincanes who scored four straight goals in the third period of Game 3 to tie the game, came out on a mission 48 hours later to take control early and hang on for a much-needed win in Game 4.  The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 to even the best of seven Finals 2-2 and reclaim home ice advantage. 

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Goals came in bunches again.  First, it was Carolina who jumped out the lead 1:06 into the game and then 2:22 later another one put the Hurricanes up 2-0 and sent a message to the Golden Knights that they were back in control of this series.  Then Vegas captain, Mark Stone let the Canes know the Knights weren't here to be gracious hosts as Stone cut the lead in half minutes later.  

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Carolina captain, Jordan Staal who has scored in each of the Finals games extended the Canes lead to 3-1 while still in the first period.  Staal has totaled 5 goals thus far in the series. 

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The Canes needed to get as many goals as possible in that first period because Vegas has owned the second.  William Karlsson and Brett Howden each scored to tie the game at 3-3. The Knights have lit the lamp seven times in the second period alone in the first four games.  Unfortunately, there would be no more VGK on this night. 

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Stall made a spectacular goal from his knees falling to the ice with 13:28 to go in the game to put Carolina back on top for good. Nikolaj Ehlers hit an empty netter to seal the deal and the Canes leave Las Vegas with the win.

 

Another part of the Hurricanes success was the story of backup up goaltender Brandon Bussi who had 18 saves in his first career Stanley Cup Playoffs start.  Bussi came on in relief for starter Fredrick Anderson in Game 3 after Anderson gave up the four second period goals.  Bussi was fantastic in that game and seems to have earned the net for Carolina heading back home for Game 5 Thursday night. 

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This series continues to be won with offense. These two teams combining for 33 goals in the first four contests. We have also learned that no lead is considered safe as a two-goal deficit has been erased in each game so far.  Momentum has flipped instantaneously in each game, and no one will forget the Hurricanes storm of three goals scored in a matter of :39 in Game 3. Buckle up and get ready for more intensity, drama and unpredictability.  ​