The second-round series between the Philadelphia Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes is done. It seems there’s no stopping the Hurricanes from their destiny. Carolina fell behind early but managed to get a 3-2 overtime win over Philadelphia to complete its second consecutive four-game sweep.
Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven each potted goals after Tyson Forrester opened the scoring for the Flyers. Frederik Andersen managed 15 saves to win his eight consecutive start in goal during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Daniel Vladar made 37 saves as the Flyers grabbed the early lead. However, Philadelphia may experience back-to-back sweeps if the New York Knicks win Game 4 of their NBA second round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes Series Recap
Not to Be Denied
The Hurricanes fell behind nearly eight minutes into the third period after Forester’s goal. Carolina would chase the game and pepper Vladar’s net in the first and second periods. Blake’s third goal of the postseason with 12 minutes, 35 seconds into the second finally got the Canes on level terms.
Stakoven registered his seventh goal of the playoffs 4:13 into the third period game the Hurricanes that coveted 2-1 lead. Some thought the goal would break the back of the young Flyers once and for all. However, Alex Bump tallied less than one minute, 40 seconds after Stankoven’s goal.
Could the Flyers use that momentum and finally beat the Hurricanes for the first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Philadelphia came out with some jump after that goal, but Blake’s series-clinching goal would send the Flyers to the golf course.
Carolina is back in the Eastern Conference Final for the fourth consecutive season. However, the Hurricanes don’t have to deal with the Florida Panthers waiting for them on the other side. This is the team’s best chance to get to the club’s third Stanley Cup Final since moving from Hartford.
(Credit Image: © Kevin Schultz/Cal Sport Media)
Flying High Despite the Loss
Some may think getting swept after beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one would be a disappointing end to the season. However. there are plenty of positives to take from Philadelphia this season.
The Flyers may have found their goalie of the future in Vladar, who did everything he could in order to keep his team in the series. Philadelphia only managed to score two goals or more twice in the four-game sweep. Any goalie will need more run support from his team in order to keep his team in the series.
Despite the lack of goalscoring, there’s plenty to like about this young roster. Porter Martone seems like a gamer and a fixture in the team’s lineup for many seasons to come. Players like Bump and Trevor Zegras also seem like they will be staples in the lineup.
A Storm Surge from All Sides
Carolina does have its brand-name players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. However, players like Stankoven and Blake are making their way onto the scene. The Hurricanes seem to be able to restock their cupboards via draft picks or trades.
We’ve also seen multiple contributors step up for the Canes during this run. Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook were big parts of the Game 3 victory for Carolina. The Hurricanes defence has also been instrumental in limiting the chances of the opposing teams. Both the Ottawa Senators and the Flyers had some promising young scorers. However, players like Jaccob Slavin and the rest of the defensive group suffocated the opposition in both rounds.
Carolina has also been dangerous whether its 5-on-5, a man up, or a man down. The Hurricanes are on a mission to finally get over the hump and it’s going to take plenty of the Montreal Canadiens or Buffalo Sabres to deny them a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Main photo by: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
