After nine days of wondering who their next opponent would be, the Carolina Hurricanes finally have their opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals following the Montreal Canadiens' overtime win in Game 7 against the Buffalo Sabres.
Between their sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in round two of the ECF and Game 1, the Hurricanes would have 11 days of rest, setting a modern NHL record. Ironically, only 1919 Canadians had more than 12.
Game 7 between the Canadiens and Sabers was certainly interesting. The Canadiens took an early lead by scoring two goals in the first frame, before the Sabers evened it out in the next two frames. However, the Sabers found the back of the net for the third time after the puck bounced off the legs of Jacob Dobbs, while the remaining puck was pushed across the line by Beck Malensteen. But unfortunately for the Sabres, as Dobbs tried to cover the puck, the referee blew the whistle – despite having no control over it, and the goal was ultimately waved off.
With 8:38 left in the extra frame, Alex Newhook got the game-winning goal.
A Brief History of the Hurricanes vs. the Habs
Throughout the regular season, the Canadiens won all three games against the Hurricanes. However, in the only two instances when the two teams have faced each other in the postseason (2002, 2006), the Hurricanes have defeated them in six games or less. Ironically, the Hurricanes also appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in both postseasons, and won the championship in 2006.
Carolina Hurricanes-Montreal Canadiens schedule and broadcast information
game 1
When: Thursday, May 21, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
game 2
When: Saturday, May 23, 7:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
game 3
When: Monday, May 25, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
game 4
When: Wednesday, May 27, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
Game 5 (if necessary)
When: Friday, May 29, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
Game 6 (if necessary)
When: Sunday, May 31, TBD
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, TVAS
Game 7 (if necessary)
When: Tuesday, June 2, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS
All games will feature local play-by-play by Mike Maniscalco and analysis by Trip Tracy on the Hurricanes' radio partner, 99.9 The Fan.
