ECF Recap: Canes Oust Canadiens In Five
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The line of Jackson Blake, Logan Stankoven, and Taylor Hall was unquestionably the star of the show, at least offensively, for Carolina in the first two rounds. While they were certainly impactful once again in the latest series victory, this time around, the contributions were more even across the board.
Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov had more success than the wins over Ottawa and Philadelphia, which was certainly encouraging, but the series leader in goals for the group? Eric Robinson.
Finding twine in Games 2, 3, and 5, he was noticeable seemingly every time he touched the ice.
“Everyone in the playoffs talks about needing all four lines. That really tips the scales when you can have a fourth line not only playing in their end and generating momentum, but finding the back of the net. It’s a game-changer,” Hall said.
Going on to call the trio of Robinson, Mark Jankowski, and William Carrier “a nightmare to play against”, Hall also reminded that they’re not just forechecking beasts; they, like the rest of the team, give up no free ice to the opposition.
“Those guys have been together for a while now. I think the chemistry was really starting to come together at the end of the regular season,” Hall continued. “They have a good blend of skill, size, and speed.”
Carrier, who was facing his hometown team, was not on the ice for a single goal against at even strength over the five games.
In total, Carolina’s 18 goals in the series came from 10 different players, a necessary ingredient at this time of year.
Stankoven’s nine goals lead the Hurricanes, and are only bested league-wide by Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden (10 each), whom he’ll face in the next round with the Vegas Golden Knights.
