Who wouldda thunk the eighth seeded L.A. Kings would be playing the sixth seeded N.J.Devils for the Stanley Cup – except for the fans of each team? So much for my prediction for a St. Louis Blues- N.Y. Rangers final.
It was as close to poetic justice in hockey as you can get. Captain Eric Staal scored the lone goal to win in the only shootout all season for the Canes.
The Carolina Hurricanes were on the ice with the New Jersey Devils Saturday March 31, at the PNC Arena. The Canes had a major let down in play is what may be the result of getting eliminated from the playoffs the night before. The Devils are a strong team and dominated in the 5-0 win for Martin Brodeur’s 119th career shutout.
On Friday March 30, the Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in overtime and also lost their slim chance of making the NHL playoffs.
Don’t look now but when the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers Wednesday (score 3-1 March 21 at the PNC Arena), they snuck up on the playoff race and are now only 5 points out of the 8th playoff spot.
The Canes won 2-0 as Cam Ward earned his 200th career victory and 20th career shut out against the NHL leading St. Louis Blues. It was the Canes’ first victory in the newly named PNC Arena on March 15th and it was in front of a sellout crowd.
On the 4 on 3 power play, Stamkos scored the game winner meaning the Canes lost another game influenced by officiating controversy.
The Canes still had fire in their bellies and were pressing. After Ward made an excellent save on Gaborik, the Canes went on the attack again. With the puck behind the Rangers goal…
Bryan Allen was in the penalty box at the start of the third, finishing the Canes only penalty of the night. With the puck in the Canes end, Allen’s penalty ended. Staal saw Allen come out of the box, made a pretty lead pass to set Allen up on a breakaway.
Skinner had a very nice shootout goal but it wasn’t enough as the Panthers put in 2, keeping the Canes as the only team not to win a shootout in the NHL.