If you follow the Carolina Hurricanes, you know the Boston Bruins have been a thorn in the organization’s side during in the postseason. The Canes finally got over that hump, holding on for a 3-2 game seven victory in true Cardiac Canes fashion Saturday afternoon in front of a record crowd at PNC Arena – winning the series four games to three.
Up next….fellow division foe the New York Rangers.
Recent history leans in the Canes’ favor as Carolina won the season series 3-1-0, but we also know that means nothing as a few years ago the Rangers swept the season series only to be swept by Carolina in the postseason. While the 3-1-0 record looks convincing, the division title came down to the end with a 4-3 Canes win at Madison Square Garden on April 26.
You can look for this series to be another tough battle as these teams know each very well and the number of players who have roster ties to both teams.
Keys To Victory
Power Play Improvement:
Igor Shesterkin is between the pipes for the Rangers. He’s a goalie who can steal and game or two. With that being said, any man advantage that the Hurricanes get they will need to take advantage of.
Stay Out Of The Box:
When the Canes played 5 on 5 during the Boston series they were clearly the better team. That will be the same in this series. While the penalty kill is towards the top in the league, let’s not get used to seeing it on the ice as much as it was in Boston.
Play Better On The Road:
While having home ice is important, if Carolina wants to make a serious push towards the cup they will have to play better on the road – plain and simple. During the first-round matchups in Boston the Canes were outscored 14-6 and were easily outplayed in those games. They will need a better showing in the Big Apple.