The Boston Bruins have absolutely dominated the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final in taking a 2-0 series lead. Carolina played well in the first two periods in the series opener, but it has been all Bruins since that time. The Hurricanes hope that returning home will help them get a victory and turn the series around in Game 3.
Carolina had plenty of rest leading up to this series after sweeping the New York Islanders in the conference semifinals. The Hurricanes have been impressive in the postseason, but they must find a way to slow down the Bruins offense. Boston was tested by the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets in their first two rounds but have come out on top in each one. The Hurricanes are -115 over the Boston Bruins in Game 3.
Mrazek Struggling to Stop Shots
Carolina goaltender Petr Mrazek looked like the frontrunner to win the Conn Smythe Award through the first two rounds, but things have gone south in a hurry. Mrazek has allowed 11 goals in the first two games of this series, and his numbers have taken a beating. He posted a pair of shutouts in the first two rounds but has now stopped just 89 percent of the shots he has faced overall. Mrazek must be much better in this game if the Hurricanes are going to win.
The Hurricanes weren’t a very good offensive team during the regular season, and they have been inconsistent in the playoffs as well. Teuvo Teravainen leads the team with seven goals, while Sebastian Aho has eleven assists to lead the team. Carolina has been turning the puck over way too much in this series, and their offense hasn’t been able to get going. The Hurricanes had just 23 shots on goal in Game 2.
Boston Offense Coming to Life
The Bruins won games with their defense and goaltending in the regular season, but things have changed for them in this series. Boston has scored 11 goals through the first two games of this series, and their stars have stepped up all postseason long. Brad Marchand leads the team with 10 assists and 15 points, and the Bruins have a ton of scoring depth. The Bruins aren’t getting a ton of shot opportunities in these games, but they have been capitalizing on the attempts they get.
Tuukka Rask is one of the best goaltenders in the entire league, and he has been playing like it in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rask is stopping 94 percent of the shots he is facing, allowing just over two goals per game. The Bruins don’t give up many goals, and Rask is a big reason for this.
Hurricanes Get First Win
Even though the first two games of this series haven’t been close, Carolina still has a chance to get back into this. The Hurricanes have been playing great hockey at home in the postseason, and their offense is going to show up. Boston can’t keep up this offensive pace, and the Hurricanes are going to get their first win of the series. Bet the Carolina Hurricanes -115 over the Boston Bruins.
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