The 2023-24 playoffs kicked off on Saturday and saw the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 2023-24 playoffs kicked off on Saturday and saw the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Hurricanes started this year's playoffs with a 3-1 win. Frederik Andersen made 33 saves on 34 shots.
The Islanders pushed hard and dominated the Hurricanes in the second period but it wasn't enough. An early goal in the third period by former New Jersey Devils forward, Stefan Noesen gave the Hurricanes the lead. Martin Necas put the game to rest with an empty-netter.
The Bruins took an early lead and never looked back. Despite being outshot 36-24, the Bruins were in the lead for 57:36. The Bruins' power play took over in the second period. DeBrusk scored on back-to-back power plays and finished with three points.
Swayman made 35 saves on 36 shots. Five of them came off the stick of this year's Rocket Richard winner Auston Matthews. Matthews also hit the post when Swayman gambled on a loose puck.
Hitting the post is a familiar sight for Matthews. He led the league in posts/crossbars this season and he's also tied for the most posts/crossbars hit in the playoffs since 2017.
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