Carolina Hurricanes win first home Eastern Conference Finals game in nearly 20 years, overall record in the series since then now 2-17

The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime to win their first home game in the Eastern Conference Finals since June 1, 2006. The Hurricanes had previously reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times since their 2006 Stanley Cup, but lost 10 straight home games in those series and were 2-17 overall. Nikolaj Ehlers, an offseason addition, scored twice, including the overtime winner 3:29 into extra time, and added the go-ahead goal in the third period. Josh Anderson scored both Montreal goals. Montreal managed 12 shots in Game 2, while Jakub Dobes stopped 23 of 26 shots. The series is tied 1-1 and shifts to Montreal’s Bell Centre.

"With the team's 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the Hurricanes won their first home game in the conference final since June 1, 2006. After winning the Stanley Cup that season, the Hurricanes have been back to the Eastern Conference Finals five times, including this year, losing on home ice 10 times in a row across those five series. They are now just 2-17 overall in those series."

"Saturday's win came via offseason addition Nikolaj Ehlers, as the Danish winger scored twice in the game, including netting the overtime winner just 3:29 into the extra frame. Ehlers had also scored Carolina's second goal of the game to give them a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. He now has six points (4g, 2a) in nine playoff games this spring."

"Josh Anderson, a bench-brawling combatant of Tom Wilson's in last year's playoffs, scored both of Montreal's goals in the loss. The Canadiens only recorded twice as many shots, 12, in Game 2 as they did goals, 6, in Game 1. The Habs were particularly stymied in overtime as the only shots in the period belonged to the Hurricanes before Ehlers' goal."

"At the other end of the rink, goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 23 of 26 shots he faced in a losing effort. The series, now tied 1-1, will move to Montreal's rowdy Bell Centre for Games 3 and 4. The Canadiens haven't been great in their home barn this postseason, going just 2-4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in the first two rounds."

Read at RMNB