Ehlers’ OT goal lifts Hurricanes past Canadiens 3-2, Eastern Conference final series tied 1-1
Carolina Hurricanes players celebrate after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers as Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes (75) returns to the net during the second period in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)
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May 23, 2026 | 8:05 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Nikolaj Ehlers got loose up the centre of the ice and popped the puck past rookie netminder Jakub Dobes at 3:29 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night to level the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final at one game apiece.
Ehlers scored twice for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the first with a highlight-reel individual effort in the second period against two Montreal defenders.
And when the game went to OT, the guy the Hurricanes landed as a sought-after free agent carried them to the finish line.
Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, while Josh Anderson scored twice for Montreal.
