Storm Just Getting Started!

-Columbus, OH

The Carolina Hurricanes are headed back to familiar territory for the second straight year and that is advancing to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals after a 5 game series win. Carolina rode a HOT first period going up 3-0 with goals coming from Filip Forsberg, Alec Martinez, and Zack Smith en route to an eventual 4-2 win. They outshot Columbus 18-11 in the first frame before Columbus pushed back in the second period outshooting the Canes 14-11 with both teams exchanging goals. The third period was a rough one with only 7 shots combined through the last 20 minutes (4-3 Carolina) that saw Columbus get only a single tally. 

"Absolutely thrilled" said Head Coach Willie Desjardins following the win, "we knew Columbus had a great season and were going to be a tough first round matchup. Huge credit to our entire team as they all contributed to this series victory. We showcased our depth, strong defensive play, and an offense that was balanced and poised." Perhaps the biggest story of the game was Carey Price leaving the net after the second period. "I felt a pull in my groin but checked it out and I'm all good" said Price concerning his exit, "just a precautionary thing". The Hurricanes will now wait to see who they face in the Semi-Finals as they will end up playing the winner of Washington or Pittsburgh. HC Desjardins made sure to point out that while they realize there is still a long road ahead to the Stanley Cup, they are going to take a day to enjoy the victory before beginning prep against an eventual opponent. 

"Extremely proud of my teammates" said Captain Henrik Sedin, "from Price right on out, I thought we all played well. Other teams might have quit when things weren't going their way earlier this season, but not us. We know we can play with the best of them and relish the opportunity to prove ourselves in the playoffs." 

GM Matthew Rose finally made an appearance at a post-game press conference for the first time this series. "Haha, sorry guys" Rose said with a laugh, "I don't want to jinx the team. I am proud of our guys and our coaching staff who I think have all put in a tremendous amount of work this season and resilience. All due credit to Columbus, they were a team that re-tooled heavily in the off-season and despite some critics, were able to finish 2nd in the division. They are a good hockey team and despite it only being a 5 game series, I may have still lost some years of my life stressing over our games." 

This is quite the turnaround for the Hurricanes who, as has been mentioned time and time again, rode a miraculous 2nd half of the season to erase an 11-25-4 record and qualify for a playoff spot as the 3rd seed in their division. "Yes, some people wrote us off" said Rose, addressing the question, "some wrote us off during the season, some wrote us off before the season even began. I believe there was one guy who thought we wouldn't have the offense to compete and we've proved him wrong." 

Tickets are on sale for the Hurricanes' first two home games, dates are yet to be determined as they are awaiting the result of the Penguins-Capitals series. Get them now, because they'll be sure to sell quick! GO CANES GO!

EDIT: It's confirmed! Hurricanes will play Penguins in Second Round! Tickets for Games 3 and 4 in Carolina are on sale now!