Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Hurricanes on Twitter:
@HB_Canes
The Carolina Hurricanes picked up a win in their first game of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, defeating the New York Islanders 2-1 last night.
Carolina struck early on a power play, with Sebasian Aho wiring a one-timer past Ilya Sorokin to open the scoring. While the Hurricanes took some penalties as the period went on and did let New York into the game a bit, they remained ahead after the opening frame.
It then looked like Carolina may have extended the lead on a great passing play early in the second period, but despite the goal horn sounding, the puck never actually went in the net, and it remained a 1-0 game. On a power play that followed though, Brent Burns wired a point shot through traffic that was tipped in by Stefan Noesen to beat Sorokin, for Carolina’s second goal on the man advantage. However, New York did get one back right away, with Ryan Pulock just putting a weak shot on net that ramped off Raanta’s stick and in, quickly making it a 2-1 game. Carolina kept pressing afterwards though and did have a couple more power play chances, but still held just a one-goal lead through 40 minutes.
The Islanders ended up generating some better chances in the third period, notably in the first few minutes, and then once again later on a power play, and then with the goalie pulled. However, Raanta was solid to keep them off the board and the Hurricanes held on, taking the Game 1 win.
It was a strong Game 1 for the Hurricanes to set the tone for the postseason. Through much of the first 40 minutes, they were the better team and could’ve found themselves ahead by more than a single goal, after outshooting New York 29-17 through two periods.
It was also great to see Carolina’s power play actually get going a bit, going 2-for-4 in the win. With the team often unable to capitalize at even strength, the power play providing more of an impact would go a long way for them in the series. Meanwhile, the team’s penalty kill continued to be great and held the Islanders off in the back half, killing off all four penalties throughout the night.
Antti Raanta was great for Carolina as well, proving it was the right choice to go with him as the starter for Game 1. The goal he allowed was weak (and a bit of a fluke), but he certainly rebounded and was a key reason for the Hurricanes holding the lead in the third. It’s an easy decision to go back to him for Game 2.
The Hurricanes will need to be able to solve Ilya Sorokin though, who allowed just two goals on 37 shots. They had many opportunities to pull further ahead throughout the night but as expected, couldn’t capitalize on their chances and the game remained closer than it probably should’ve. We knew the Hurricanes' inability to score mixed with facing Sorokin could be an issue, so this is going to be something to watch throughout the series.
It’s a good start for the Hurricanes though, coming out with a solid effort overall in the win. They’ll be back in action for Game 2 tomorrow.
Quiz Maker
OTHER ARTICLES FROM APRIL
Hurricanes sweep weekend back-to-back, closing in on Metro Division title
Hurricanes blow lead against Senators, rebound for overtime win
Hurricanes shut out by Predators as lack of scoring remains an issue
Hurricanes lose to Sabres, unable to build momentum down the stretch
Hurricanes split back-to-back, hold division lead with one game remaining
Canes beat Panthers to clinch Metro, will face Islanders in first round
Hurricanes vs. Islanders: Quest for the Cup begins 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»