‘You don’t want to sit on it for too long’; Red-hot Stankoven, Hurricanes await conference final opponent

Stankoven is tied for the lead in playoff goal scoring with seven goals, two of which came in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of the second round, the highlight of his post-season so far, he said.

The Hurricanes have been stingy on defence, allowing an average of 18.5 shots against per game in regulation against the Flyers.

“We have great sticks,” Stankoven said. “A lot of guys sell out to block shots. We’re pretty aggressive all over the ice. Rod [Hurricanes’ head coach Brind’Amour] preaches that forwards backcheck and track hard. If we’re tracking hard and our defence sees that, they have the green light to pinch and stay up on their forwards. It’s great for them to create turnovers. When you’re able to interrupt their play through the middle of the ice, that keeps the puck out of our own end and gives us more time to go on offence.”

More offensive zone time means more rest for 36-year-old Frederik Andersen, the red-hot goaltender who leads the league in post-season wins (eight), goals-against average (1.12) and save percentage (.950).

“I love how Freddy is just so calm back there,” Stankoven said. “He plays the puck so well. Every single time the puck comes back there, he’s always making the right play. He seems to be making timely saves. That’s what you need to go on a run.”

Carolina will play either Buffalo or Montreal in the Eastern Conference final, with the Canadiens up 2-1 on the Sabres in their best-of-seven series heading into Game 4 on Tuesday in La Belle Province.

The Canadiens were 3-0 against the Canes in the regular season. Carolina was 2-1 against Buffalo.

“Both younger teams,” Stankoven said. “They play exciting brands of hockey. In terms of Montreal, their goalie has been unbelievable for them. They’re dangerous and a team we had a bit of trouble with this year. No matter who we get, it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

Carolina is the fifth team in league history to open the playoffs with an 8-0 record and the first to start the post-season with two consecutive sweeps since all four rounds became best-of-seven series in 1987.

The Hurricanes are the 24th team in league history to win eight or more consecutive games during a post-season run.

Eighteen of those teams won the Stanley Cup.

by Marty Hastings

‘You don’t want to sit on it for too long’; Red-hot Stankoven, Hurricanes await conference final opponent

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