2) The Canes Showed They Could Hang Physically
Including the likes of Tom Wilson and Garnet Hathaway, Washington possesses the ability to play a game filled with strength and physicality when needed. In a game where they were without the presence of Jordan Martinook, who did not play due to an injury suffered in Thursday night's game against Toronto, the 18 Canes skaters that did take the ice tonight showed that they could hang.
Brendan Smith led the way with five hits, which is even further impressive given that tonight was just his second game back in action after returning from a broken skull. Including a complete stand-up of Tom Wilson in the first, the defender also flattened Evgeny Kuznetsov behind Antti Raanta's net in the third.
Smith's efforts were followed up by that of Derek Stepan, who sent Trevor van Riemsdyk into his own bench during the final 20 minutes of play.
While ultimately it is the final score that wins the game, the Canes showed that they refused to be pushed around against a team that can do it with the best of them.
3) Raanta Gave His Team A Chance To Win, Again
Finishing with a stat line of 37 stops on 40 shots, Antti Raanta put together another inspiring performance tonight.
Despite allowing two in the first period, the netminder was called upon often as his team was being nearly doubled in shots all evening long. Rod Brind'Amour said post-game that he didn't think his team was very good tonight, but he was quick to site Raanta as one of the factors that kept his team in the game, keeping them in a position to steal a victory.
Only two of the four goals scored on Raanta tonight were at even strength, with the third coming in the third on the power play and the fourth coming as Alexander Ovechkin's shootout winner.
They Said It:
Rod Brind'Amour'sopening thoughts, post-game:
"We weren't very good. I thought we were still in a position to win there at the end. Our goalie played good for us, kept us in the game. We capitalized on a couple chances we had, but we didn't generate anything. The mere fact that we were in a position to win was pretty fortunate."
Brendan Smithon returning to the lineup and how it felt to be in the mix physically after his scary injury:
"Last night in Toronto was just about getting my timing back. Tonight I felt a little bit more comfortable... It felt similar to a playoff game tonight and it gets you prepared. I like how they play. Knowing that I can step in after basically a month and compete like that, it's good for my individual physique."
Seth Jarvissharing his thoughts on scoring for the first time 19 games:
"It felt really good. It's been a while. That's the longest I've been without a goal in my career, so it felt really nice. It allowed me to stop thinking about it a little bit.
What's Next?:
Saturday will be an off day for the Canes and they'll return to work on Sunday for a 6 p.m. matchup against the Rangers.
Bonus Notes:
Worth A Click:
Stepan's Ride To Raleigh & Fit With The Canes
Hurricanes March Schedule
NHL Standings
