Hurricanes move closer to Stanley Cup final after beating Canadiens 3-0

Carolina Hurricanes moved a step closer to the Stanley Cup Final after taking a dominant 3-0 lead over the Montreal Canadiens through the first period of Eastern Conference Final Game 5 on Friday.

Carolina entered the match leading the series 3-1, with victory securing a place in the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

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Montreal had the first major chance after Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov was sent off for tripping early in the opening period. However, the Canadiens failed to capitalise on the power play.

The Hurricanes opened the scoring midway through the frame when Taylor Hall found the net.

After Montreal unsuccessfully challenged the goal, Carolina received a power play opportunity of its own but could not extend the lead immediately.

The second goal arrived minutes later as Logan Stankoven doubled Carolina’s advantage after already assisting on the opening goal.

Carolina continued to dominate and added a third through Eric Robinson, whose playoff tally gave the home side complete control heading into the first intermission.

The Hurricanes outshot Montreal 15-4 during a one-sided first period.