MTL@CAR: What you need to know
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Carolina’s second line of Jackson Blake, Taylor Hall, and Logan Stankoven has been a dominant force in the playoffs, combining for 31 points in eight games, but Montreal successfully held them scoreless in three regular-season meetings this season.
- The Hurricanes enter the Eastern Conference Final undefeated and well-rested after 12 days off, with a strong offensive presence expected in a loud Lenovo Center, making it crucial for Montreal to withstand an early Carolina surge in Game 1.
- Montreal swept the regular-season series against Carolina, going 3-0 including two wins on the road, providing confidence and experience that could be pivotal as underdogs in the series.
- Key players to watch include Alex Newhook, who leads Montreal with seven playoff goals and a knack for scoring in critical moments, and Carolina’s Frederik Andersen, who has been outstanding in goal with a .950 save percentage and two shutouts through eight playoff wins.