By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: BRUCE BENNETTGetty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from going to the finals. The Hurricanes dominated the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 on Wednesday night.
The Hurricanes are a deep, hungry, and determined group. They put pressure and don’t get too comfortable against their opponents. Carolina keeps their foot on the gas.
Having the right attitude is what makes a team tough to beat because they keep coming after you. The Hurricanes’ last cup final win was 20 years ago. In the third period, Carolina took it a step further. The Canadiens didn’t have an answer for the Hurricanes. Montreal has a bright future, and they still have a chance, but they seem like they’re running out of steam. Let’s take a look at the shots by period throughout Game 4:
First period: 12 to 5
Second Period: 12 to 10
Third Period: 19 to 3
The Hurricanes finished dominating the Canadiens 43 to 18 in shots on net. Montreal had opportunities, especially during power play possessions. They needed to shoot the puck from any part of the ice. Montreal could’ve been more aggressive offensively. Speed and youth are advantages for the Canadiens, but they just ran into a team that’s playing on another level.
Carolina learned their lessons from Game 1. The Hurricanes were not ready and were embarrassed, giving up six goals. These are the real Hurricanes. After Game 1, Carolina gave up a total of four goals. They have taken away their neutral zone.
Montreal has not closed well defensively. We saw the Canadiens battle a seven-game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabers. The Hurricanes presented another tough task for them. It’s been a successful season for the Canadiens. This team is going to be great in the next few seasons if the management doesn’t mess it up.
Game 5 will be on Friday at 8 pm at Carolina, with the Hurricanes looking to close out the Canadiens.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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