The Carolina Hurricanes have secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Final after defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in Game 5 on Thursday night, thanks to a crucial late goal from forward Andrei Svechnikov. In the Western Conference bracket, the Winnipeg Jets managed to keep their season alive with a decisive 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 5.
Svechnikov found the back of the net for the third consecutive contest, proving essential after Carolina had difficulty scoring against Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson for the majority of the game. The Hurricanes also benefited from a strong performance in net from Frederik Andersen, who stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced. This victory sends the Hurricanes to their second Eastern Conference Final appearance in the last three seasons.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets relied on a vintage performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He turned aside all 22 shots he faced, recording his second shutout of the series. Nikolaj Ehlers provided the offensive spark for the Jets, registering a pair of goals.
Following another night of intense playoff action, let`s take a closer look at some of the standout individual performances from Thursday.
3. Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Hurricanes
Andrei Svechnikov continued to be a primary offensive threat for the Hurricanes, delivering when it mattered most. His late goal served as the game-winner, sealing Carolina`s 3-1 series-clinching victory. With this clutch goal, Svechnikov became only the fourth player in Hurricanes (or Hartford Whalers) history to score a playoff game-winning goal within the final two minutes of regulation.
The sequence leading to the decisive goal began with defenseman Sean Walker initiating a rush and then exchanging passes with Svechnikov. Walker returned the puck, allowing Svechnikov to score from what appeared to be an impossible angle near the bottom of the face-off circle.
In a series where scoring was at a premium, Svechnikov consistently rose to the occasion. His game-winner was his eighth goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, placing him second among all players, trailing only Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, who has nine. Svechnikov`s offensive contribution will be critical for the Hurricanes as they advance to face the winner of the series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
2. Connor Hellebuyck | G | Jets
Connor Hellebuyck`s postseason performance has been inconsistent at times, but he delivered a spectacular showing when his team needed him most. Hellebuyck stopped all 22 shots, single-handedly keeping Winnipeg`s season alive on Thursday.
Hellebuyck made numerous high-danger saves that prevented the Stars` potent offense from finding the back of the net. Early in the second period, he flashed his leather for a highlight-reel glove save on a backhanded attempt by Thomas Harley, set up by Matt Duchene. Another significant play occurred later in the second when Hellebuyck held his ground and executed a perfectly-timed poke check to thwart a cutting Wyatt Johnston, who had received a strong pass from teammate Mikko Rantanen. This defensive stop quickly transitioned into offense for Winnipeg, ultimately leading to a goal by Mark Scheifele.
After allowing eight total goals in the two previous games, Hellebuyck was impenetrable in Game 5, mirroring his shutout performance in Game 2 of the series. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner demonstrated his elite capabilities, delivering his best effort of this postseason to force a Game 6.
1. Nikolaj Ehlers | LW | Jets
After missing most of the first round, Nikolaj Ehlers has rapidly showcased his vital importance to Winnipeg`s offensive attack since his return. In Thursday`s contest, he registered two goals on five shots and added a takeaway.
With the Jets on a five-on-three power play early in the third period, Ehlers provided crucial insurance. Mark Scheifele`s cross-ice pass found Kyle Connor, who quickly located a wide-open Ehlers near the net. Ehlers skated into position and skillfully slid the puck past Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. He later added an empty-net goal, bringing his series total to five goals in just four games. Ehlers has undeniably become a driving force and the heartbeat of the Jets offense.
