Hurricanes Look to Eliminate Capitals
Despite being on the brink of elimination after losing game 5, the Carolina Hurricanes were able to storm back and win game 6 in Raliegh. The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will play their final game of the series tonight in Washington.
Both teams have won all three home games so far in the series.
If the Hurricanes want to move on to the second round they are going to have to fix some of the flaws that they have had on the road this series.
We're in the endgame now. pic.twitter.com/MIj3vFbFtj
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 24, 2019
Key Factors
The Hurricanes must stay out of the penalty box, Washington’s powerplay is at an incredible 41.7% at home so far.
Even though they have only played three home games, any powerplay that can be that consistent in a best of seven series is certainly one that an opponent wants to see in the final game.
Carolina needs to be better on the power play as well. The Washington Capitals have earned a penalty kill of 92.3%. If the Hurricanes want to continue onto the second round, they are going to need to capitalize on the powerplay with every opportunity they get.
Most importantly, Carolina needs to play without their crowd behind them tonight. The ‘Canes have been able to feed off the noise of their home crowd through three games and it has shown in the numbers.
They have averaged four goals a game on home ice while having a GAA of only 1.00.
Carolina is going to get the help of their captain tonight. Justin Williams has played in 8 career game 7’s. Of those 8 games, Williams has helped his teams go to 7-1 while he personally has scored 14 points (7-7-14). He also has a plus/minus rating of +9. Two of his goals have been game-winning goals.
From the best of seven to the best of one.
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 24, 2019
Preview » https://t.co/cDDldfevue pic.twitter.com/3CFz57lQNn
The reigning Stanley Cup Champions are going to play a physical game tonight, but the Hurricanes are going to have to rely on their speed to get out of this one alive.
