Latest news with #BrandonDuhaime
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Takeaways: Carolina Hurricanes Takes Game 1 In Washington
May 6, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) and Washington Capitals right wing Brandon Duhaime (22) battle for the puck in the third period in game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) The Carolina Hurricanes have a 1-0 series lead over the Washington Capitals thanks to a 2-1 overtime, road victory Tuesday night. Jaccob Slavin was the OT hero for the Canes, giving the team a crucial win in a game they very much deserved to win. Here are three takeaways from the Hurricanes' Game 1 victory: Belief It's not easy to play Carolina Hurricanes hockey. It's a demanding style of play that requires a full buy-in from all 18 skaters every night. But when they're on, it looks like it did Tuesday night. "We're just big believers," said Jesperi Kotkaniemi. "Just keep doing our thing and getting shots through and eventually one of them is going to go through and go in the net, like we saw tonight. Our plan never changes. Just keep working hard, sending pucks out there and just keep believing." Even when the Hurricanes were staring up from a 1-0 hole, despite tripling the Capitals in shots and chances, there was no lapse in faith. "It's just about trust," said Logan Stankoven, who tied up the game in the third period. "That's what our game is all about. Getting inside and lots of shot volume. That's what Rod preaches. Sometimes not everything is going to go in, so you have to be patient and it worked out well for us tonight." The team stuck to the game plan, stuck to their style, and they were rewarded for it. Belief is a big reason why Carolina has as much consistency as they do and is a big reason why they found a way to pull off the win even in a game that felt like they were going to get the short end of the stick. "Our guys played hard every shift right from the start of the game," said Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I liked how we were playing. Obviously we were down, but there's a certain game plan. Both teams have it and I thought we were on it tonight. Sometimes you don't get rewarded, but tonight we did." Top Line Cooking While they didn't end up on the scoresheet last night, the Canes' top line was far and away the best looking trio on the ice. The line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Jackson Blake were all over the Capitals, outchancing Washington 30-5 at 5v5. The trio just relentlessly cycled the Caps, with tons of looks, plenty of retrievals and all around dominant play. Svechnikov, the team's Round 1 leading goal scorer, was especially noticeable, with three shots on goal, 12 shot attempts, six hits and two takeaways. He was all over the offensive zone, even ringing the crossbar twice, and it looks like he can easily continue being a real game breaker for Carolina. Now if only they can transfer that mojo to the man advantage too, as it had a disappointing Game 1 (0/3) after a promising series against the Devils. 'It's The Best Feeling In The World': Sebastian, Rosa Aho Welcome Birth Of First Child 'It's The Best Feeling In The World': Sebastian, Rosa Aho Welcome Birth Of First Child It's been a pretty good week for Sebastian Aho. Not only did he lead the Carolina Hurricanes in points and score the series-clinching goal to eliminate the New Jersey Devils, but he also welcomed in his first child. "It feels unreal," Aho said. "So happy that I got to be there. Timing-wise, it worked out and both mom and baby are happy and healthy. She did an amazing job and I'm really proud of her. "Guys with kids here, they all said your life is going to change and for sure it did. You hold your baby for the first time, it's the best feeling in the world." Aho is the third player to have a child this season, joining other first-time dads Shayne Gostisbehere and Eric Robinson. "I'm certainly happy for him," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I'm happy to see all the guys now, as that's starting to happen a lot here in this room and we are a big family in there. It's exciting and you see it in their eyes when they show up. But it does remind you that life moves quickly. I think we do a pretty good job of that, trying to stay in the moment and enjoy every day because they do go by quick." Wearing Down the Competition The other thing about Hurricanes hockey is that it can really wear down opponents. Not only was Washington forced to defend in their own zone for nearly the entire game, but they also had to eat a ton of rubber and absorb a lot of hits too. The Canes peppered the Capitals, who ended up blocking 32 shots on the night, and outhit them 44-31. All of that can really take a toll on a team, especially over a best-of-seven series, so for Carolina to have that kind of game and steal a win on the road, is absolutely massive for them. "Anytime you can get a win in a series, whether it's home or on the road, it's always a boost of confidence," Slavin said. "I think especially to get that first one and it being on the road is huge for us and our momentum going forward. Like Roddy always talks about, it's one step of the series. Just keep chugging along." Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories! Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Calgary Herald
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Todd: Canadiens chart path to an exciting new era
The Canadiens finally ran out of resilience Wednesday. Article content With 26 seconds left in Game 5 against the powerful Washington Capitals, Brandon Duhaime scored into an empty net. Article content After several long minutes of sustained pressure around goaltender Logan Thompson failed to result in the two goals they needed to tie it, exhausted players bent over their knees, gasping for breath. Article content Article content As they have in almost every game since September, they had given it all they had. This time, they fell short. The ending that had been staring them in the face since mid-December had finally arrived. Article content Article content They made it this far because captain Nick Suzuki wouldn't let them give up, because a skittering water bug of a rookie defenceman named Lane Hutson reached heights no one believed he could reach. Because Cole Caufield became a more complete player and GM Kent Hughes made a deft trade for Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle made an improbable return to the ice after his skate slashed a thigh muscle. Because Mike Matheson adapted to a totally different role and Josh Anderson played like a heat-seeking missile. They stormed back from the brink of nowhere, ran out of energy and slipped out of contention again, and came back a second time because Suzuki persuaded Hughes to refrain from trading key veterans to give them a chance. They ran out of fizz again with the season winding down and finally broke through in the last game of the season, after the arrival of the vast talent that is Ivan Demidov, a 19-year-old from Russia. Article content Article content Somewhere, I suspect, Canadiens fans will be talking about this season almost as long as we recall the miracle Cups in the spring of 1971, 1986 or 1993. It was emotional, it was exciting, it was discouraging at times and exhilarating at others. Article content The fulcrum of the season (and one of the most successful rebuilds you will see) was the month of December, as chronicled by my mentor, Stu Cowan. From the return of Patrik Laine on Dec. 3 (and the eight power-play goals he scored in nine games after) to the low point of a 9-2 home defeat against a mediocre Penguins team to the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier on Dec. 18 and the promotion of young goaltender Jakub Dobes on Dec. 27, the surge began — at the oddest possible time. Article content For years, that holiday road trip has been where seasons went to die. But Dobes shut out the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, 4-0, and the Canadiens were on their way. Article content Article content As always when a team is successful, it was a group effort. The star players played like stars, but it may have meant nothing if not for the move of the year, the under-the-radar trade for Carrier that solidified the defence.
Ottawa Citizen
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Todd: Canadiens chart path to an exciting new era
The Canadiens finally ran out of resilience Wednesday. Article content With 26 seconds left in Game 5 against the powerful Washington Capitals, Brandon Duhaime scored into an empty net. Article content After several long minutes of sustained pressure around goaltender Logan Thompson failed to result in the two goals they needed to tie it, exhausted players bent over their knees, gasping for breath. Article content Article content As they have in almost every game since September, they had given it all they had. This time, they fell short. The ending that had been staring them in the face since mid-December had finally arrived. Article content Article content They made it this far because captain Nick Suzuki wouldn't let them give up, because a skittering water bug of a rookie defenceman named Lane Hutson reached heights no one believed he could reach. Because Cole Caufield became a more complete player and GM Kent Hughes made a deft trade for Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle made an improbable return to the ice after his skate slashed a thigh muscle. Because Mike Matheson adapted to a totally different role and Josh Anderson played like a heat-seeking missile. Article content They stormed back from the brink of nowhere, ran out of energy and slipped out of contention again, and came back a second time because Suzuki persuaded Hughes to refrain from trading key veterans to give them a chance. They ran out of fizz again with the season winding down and finally broke through in the last game of the season, after the arrival of the vast talent that is Ivan Demidov, a 19-year-old from Russia. Article content Article content Somewhere, I suspect, Canadiens fans will be talking about this season almost as long as we recall the miracle Cups in the spring of 1971, 1986 or 1993. It was emotional, it was exciting, it was discouraging at times and exhilarating at others. Article content The fulcrum of the season (and one of the most successful rebuilds you will see) was the month of December, as chronicled by my mentor, Stu Cowan. From the return of Patrik Laine on Dec. 3 (and the eight power-play goals he scored in nine games after) to the low point of a 9-2 home defeat against a mediocre Penguins team to the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier on Dec. 18 and the promotion of young goaltender Jakub Dobes on Dec. 27, the surge began — at the oddest possible time. Article content For years, that holiday road trip has been where seasons went to die. But Dobes shut out the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, 4-0, and the Canadiens were on their way. Article content
Montreal Gazette
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Todd: Canadiens chart path to an exciting new era
Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens finally ran out of resilience Wednesday. With 26 seconds left in Game 5 against the powerful Washington Capitals, Brandon Duhaime scored into an empty net. After several long minutes of sustained pressure around goaltender Logan Thompson failed to result in the two goals they needed to tie it, exhausted players bent over their knees, gasping for breath. As they have in almost every game since September, they had given it all they had. This time, they fell short. The ending that had been staring them in the face since mid-December had finally arrived. They made it this far because captain Nick Suzuki wouldn't let them give up, because a skittering water bug of a rookie defenceman named Lane Hutson reached heights no one believed he could reach. Because Cole Caufield became a more complete player and GM Kent Hughes made a deft trade for Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle made an improbable return to the ice after his skate slashed a thigh muscle. Because Mike Matheson adapted to a totally different role and Josh Anderson played like a heat-seeking missile. They stormed back from the brink of nowhere, ran out of energy and slipped out of contention again, and came back a second time because Suzuki persuaded Hughes to refrain from trading key veterans to give them a chance. They ran out of fizz again with the season winding down and finally broke through in the last game of the season, after the arrival of the vast talent that is Ivan Demidov, a 19-year-old from Russia. Somewhere, I suspect, Canadiens fans will be talking about this season almost as long as we recall the miracle Cups in the spring of 1971, 1986 or 1993. It was emotional, it was exciting, it was discouraging at times and exhilarating at others. The fulcrum of the season (and one of the most successful rebuilds you will see) was the month of December, as chronicled by my mentor, Stu Cowan. From the return of Patrik Laine on Dec. 3 (and the eight power-play goals he scored in nine games after) to the low point of a 9-2 home defeat against a mediocre Penguins team to the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier on Dec. 18 and the promotion of young goaltender Jakub Dobes on Dec. 27, the surge began — at the oddest possible time. For years, that holiday road trip has been where seasons went to die. But Dobes shut out the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, 4-0, and the Canadiens were on their way. As always when a team is successful, it was a group effort. The star players played like stars, but it may have meant nothing if not for the move of the year, the under-the-radar trade for Carrier that solidified the defence. With the unfairly maligned Matheson shifting roles and eating up minutes, Guhle excelling at everything when he was healthy, and Hutson all but reinventing the game of hockey as he contended for a Calder Trophy, a perennial problem became a team strength. Down the stretch and into the playoffs, Christian Dvorak made his case for a new contract when he teamed with Anderson and Brendan Gallagher (broken rib and all) on the club's second-best line. With the arrival of the ultra-talented Demidov, it's conceivable that the Canadiens could have the Calder Trophy winner two years in a row — but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Progress in sports is rarely linear and many a counted chicken has never hatched. The remaining hole is clear: When they go shopping for that second-line centreman, management needs to find a 60-assist guy with a nasty streak, a combination of Adam Oates and Chris Nilan — if such a player exists. If the Washington series taught us anything, it's that you need two different teams to contend in both the regular season and the playoffs. Get to the post-season and suddenly a tug on a jersey is a penalty for Jake Evans, while Tom Wilson can cross-check guys in the face with impunity. How do you plan for that? Big teams tend to prevail at this time of year, but size isn't everything. Max Pacioretty is a 6-foot-2, 217-pound powerhouse who wouldn't go to the net if the goalie was handing out free ice cream. Guhle is 15 pounds lighter than Pacioretty, but hits like a bull buffalo on a downhill slope. But come playoff time, Arber Xhekaj needs to play every game, aided and abetted by little brother Florian, because while a clean hit is one thing, the WWE free-for-all that the NHL devolves into during the playoffs is quite another. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes will spend the summer working to solidify what they've built. To upgrade where possible, build even more depth and make a key move to strengthen that second line. Already, the 2024-25 season seems like a golden era of its own, a time when expectations were not too high, a group of humble, hard-working youngsters and likable veterans came together, and made a brilliant success of a season we will relive for decades despite the early exit.
Vancouver Sun
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Todd: Canadiens chart path to an exciting new era
The Canadiens finally ran out of resilience Wednesday. Article content With 26 seconds left in Game 5 against the powerful Washington Capitals, Brandon Duhaime scored into an empty net. Article content After several long minutes of sustained pressure around goaltender Logan Thompson failed to result in the two goals they needed to tie it, exhausted players bent over their knees, gasping for breath. Article content Article content As they have in almost every game since September, they had given it all they had. This time, they fell short. The ending that had been staring them in the face since mid-December had finally arrived. Article content Article content They made it this far because captain Nick Suzuki wouldn't let them give up, because a skittering water bug of a rookie defenceman named Lane Hutson reached heights no one believed he could reach. Because Cole Caufield became a more complete player and GM Kent Hughes made a deft trade for Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle made an improbable return to the ice after his skate slashed a thigh muscle. Because Mike Matheson adapted to a totally different role and Josh Anderson played like a heat-seeking missile. Article content They stormed back from the brink of nowhere, ran out of energy and slipped out of contention again, and came back a second time because Suzuki persuaded Hughes to refrain from trading key veterans to give them a chance. They ran out of fizz again with the season winding down and finally broke through in the last game of the season, after the arrival of the vast talent that is Ivan Demidov, a 19-year-old from Russia. Article content Article content Somewhere, I suspect, Canadiens fans will be talking about this season almost as long as we recall the miracle Cups in the spring of 1971, 1986 or 1993. It was emotional, it was exciting, it was discouraging at times and exhilarating at others. Article content The fulcrum of the season (and one of the most successful rebuilds you will see) was the month of December, as chronicled by my mentor, Stu Cowan. From the return of Patrik Laine on Dec. 3 (and the eight power-play goals he scored in nine games after) to the low point of a 9-2 home defeat against a mediocre Penguins team to the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier on Dec. 18 and the promotion of young goaltender Jakub Dobes on Dec. 27, the surge began — at the oddest possible time. Article content For years, that holiday road trip has been where seasons went to die. But Dobes shut out the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, 4-0, and the Canadiens were on their way. Article content
