Carolina Hurricanes edge Montreal Canadiens in shootout 2-1 -NHL Update
Carolina was determined to win the remaining three games on their regular season schedule and are only one win again as Hurricane edged Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, in a Thursday night shootout, April 5, 2012, at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Hurricanes are now on a two-game winning streak and are definitely determined to take the next against Florida Panthers as well on the road this upcoming Saturday.
Cam Ward, the man in front of the Carolina net, had another spectacular night for a near second straight shutout as he blocked 30 of 31 shots made by the Montreal team. With Carey Price out with a mild concussion, Peter Budaj was playing another full contest
and diverted 28 of 29 attempts in regulation but failed to keep Carolina out during the shootout.
"I felt like I was moving really well and I was comfortable," Ward said. "The thing about the shootout is you've got to be able to relax. I felt like I was more patient than in previous shootouts. It pays off. Sometimes the less you try, the better result
you get."
Both teams scored a single goal each in the second period alone with the remaining 40 minutes being full of roughing and other fun stuff.
Blake Geoffrion added his first of the night for Montreal, putting them ahead by one at the 4:32 mark with Chad LaRose of Carolina coming out midway through to level the match with his 19th of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular
season on a power play.
Despite a great performance in recent weeks by Carolina, the Hurricanes team is still finding it hard to forget that they will not be getting a chance at Stanley Cup glory this time around.
"It doesn't make it any easier," Ward said. "I think everyone in here is still disappointed that we're not making the playoffs. It's important that you finish the season strong. We've done a lot of good things and made a lot of strides since Muller has taken
over.”
Eric Staal made the only goal during the shootout during their final attempt as Montreal’s Erik Cole missed on their third and last chance.
Montreal Canadiens play their season finale against Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Saturday.
Tags: