Andersen comes up big as Canes take a 2-1 series lead
The Carolina Hurricanes came out slower than they wanted but ended up turning it on in the second period and went on to defeat the Washington Capitals, 4-0 on Saturday night in Raleigh.
The Canes were getting outshot 9-6 in the opening period and the Capitals had the better chances, but Fred Andersen was on top of his game and kept the game scoreless.
Rod Brind’Amour said postgame that it might have been the goalie’s best game as a Hurricane, taking into consideration the importance and magnitude of the game.
Andersen now has the best save percentage (.940) and best GAA (1.32) in the NHL playoffs.
About midway through the second period, Andrei Svechnikov broke the scoreless tie when he darted in and stole a faceoff win from the Caps and then rifled in a shot that surprised Logan Thompson.
The Canes never looked back.
With just a minute and three seconds left in the period, Jack Roslovic scored short side while on the powerplay to give the home team a comfortable, 2-0 lead.
The Hurricanes scored twice with the man advantage this game which gives them a total of nine powerplay goals in their eight playoff games played. That is tops in the NHL.
Eric Robinson scored just three minutes and change into the third to put the home team up 3-0 and the arena was buzzing.
Jackson Blake closed out the scoring with another powerplay goal later in the third.
Brind’Amour changed up the lines a bit and moved Seth Jarvis to the top line. The move helped Blake as he had more space to skate and make moves.
There were times in the third period where the Canes held the puck in the Washington zone for a couple of minutes at a time.
After being outshot in the first period, the Canes turned the tables the next two stanzas by outshooting the visitors, 11-6 each period.
The Hurricanes were credited with a total of 47 hits in the game, led by Carrier with seven.
Sean Walker played a team high 22:32.
Next up will be game four on Monday night.
According to MoneyPuck, the Canes chances to win the Cup increased a bit with the win.
Cup chances after Knights and Canes win https://t.co/RbnckCLHNP pic.twitter.com/rjdktNwgV2
— MoneyPuck.com (@MoneyPuckdotcom) May 11, 2025
Game Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20242025/GS030223.HTM
Event Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20242025/ES030223.HTM
Team’s Recap – https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/recap-andersen-shines-as-canes-blank-caps