Just Like That, We're All Tied Up At 2!

-Raleigh, NC

The Penalty Kill struggled again but the Hurricanes pulled out a big win in Game 4 to tie their Eastern Semi-Finals series at 2 aside. Trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes, goals by Zack Smith and Adam Henrique erased the deficit and allowed the Hurricanes to come out on top after 60 minutes. The Hurricanes' style of shutdown defensive play has cooled off the red-hot Penguins in the last two games. Despite the success of their victory, it came at a cost. Filip Forsberg left the game midway through the second period with what has been categorized as a "lower-body injury".

"It takes the enjoyment out of our win" said Willie Desjardins regarding Forsberg's injury, "he's been a huge part of our team but I'm proud to see how we responded in securing the win and coming back in the third period without him. As for Game 5, he'll be a game-time decision. We're going to take it day by day right now." 

Desjardins had this to say when asked about the Hurricanes tying up the series: "Obviously, we're happy to have tied it up but this series is still a race to 4 wins. We've shown we can win at home [Canes are 4-0 at home in the playoffs], now we just need to show that we can beat them in their barn. I think we've tightened up defensively in the last two games and it has allowed us to dictate the pace of play which has been huge for us. Our defense has been solid, offense been good, and goaltending has been great. Our biggest area to improve right now is on our Special Teams, both PP and PK."

Defenceman Alec Martinez on coming back from a 2-0 deficit: "We knew we were in a hole coming home for Game 3. We sat down as a team and talked about how we didn't have this great of a season to date just to bow out in the second round. We were able to respond in Game 3 and then continue that momentum into Game 4. We love the role of the underdog as so many people counted us out throughout the season, the first round, and even this round now. This has made us stronger and you can bet we are going to come out hard Thursday night to try and take the series lead. Everyone's focus is on Thursday night. I don't think I can describe how excited I am to be part of such a special group of guys as what we have."

What has been most noticeable throughout this playoff run for the Hurricanes has been the performance of trade deadline acquisitions in Matt Cullen and Carey Price. Cullen was a big part of Carolina's first round win against the Columbus Blue Jackets while Carey Price has provided the team with the type of goaltending that is needed for a deep playoff run. The only concern for the Hurricanes is an off-ice issue in everybody's favorite topic to complain about: Attendance. The Hurricanes drew an ok average of about 17,500 in the first round yet have averaged just over 14,000 in each of their two home games. Perhaps most mind-blowing is the fact that this is one of the best Carolina teams in their MRFHL history since their 2013 playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Most memorable is Rose's promise on the day of his hiring back in 2016 where he said he was committed to building a winning culture in Carolina. After back to back Semi-Finals appearances for the Hurricanes, it would appear that he has kept his word. The players, coaches, and management have done their part in creating a winning culture in Carolina, now it's up to the local fan base to step up to the plate and build a winning atmosphere. 

With tonight's win, Game 6 tickets are now on sale! Let's #RockTheRed together, Canes Fans!