2-1 Win and A 2-1 Series

-Raleigh, NC

Like a fine wine, the Hurricanes get better with age. Coming home facing a 2-0 series deficit, Carolina was in familiar terroritory. Facing a strong favorite again, they won Game 3 for the 2nd consecutive playoff round after dropping the first two road games. The Hurricanes rode strong goaltending and a tight defensive game to a 2-1 overtime victory to climb back within one in their Eastern Conference Finals series.

"We've been fighting an uphill battle all year and this is just another test" said coach Willie Desjardins following the win, "obviously we don't want to be in a hole coming home every round but it's comforting to know that we've gone through similar adversity before and beaten it. I thought goaltending was great, defense was perfect, and in that type of a game our offense came through when needed."

"Some comments were made about us being an older team" said captain Henrik Sedin post-game, "but if we're so old, how come we were able to win in a game that required extra time? I'm not starting a feud but perhaps it's time some people put money where their mouth is. We have treated this league with nothing but respect throughout this season and it's like a slap in the face to be insulted considering we were able to make the Conference Finals. At the end of the day, they're just adding fuel to the fire that will give us extra incentive to win this series."

What was missing from the first two series for the Canes has apparently arrived in full force for this Eastern Conference Finals: these two teams have a heated rivalry. The Underdog Hurricanes vs the Elite Maple Leafs are exchanging heated feelings towards each other both on and off the ice. Buckle up, this could get interesting!