On Thursday night, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in Game 5, sealed by a late goal from forward Andrei Svechnikov. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets extended their season, earning a 4-0 victory against the Dallas Stars in Game 5.
Andrei Svechnikov scored for the third straight game, breaking through against Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson after the Hurricanes had difficulty finding offense for much of the night. Carolina also benefited from a strong performance by goaltender Frederik Andersen, who turned away 18 of 19 shots. This win sends the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three seasons.
In the Western Conference bracket, the Winnipeg Jets were powered by an outstanding performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He stopped all 22 shots directed at him, recording his second shutout of the series. Nikolaj Ehlers contributed significantly to the Jets` offense, scoring two goals.
Following another intense night of playoff hockey, here are some of the standout players from Thursday`s games, recognized as the 3 Stars:
3. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
Svechnikov stepped up offensively for the Hurricanes when it was needed most, ultimately scoring the game-winning goal that clinched the series in a 3-1 victory. His late-game heroics made him only the fourth player in Hurricanes/Whalers history to score a winning goal in the final two minutes of regulation during a playoff game.
The decisive play began late in the game when defenseman Sean Walker initiated the rush with an outlet pass. After receiving the puck back from Svechnikov in the offensive zone, Walker promptly returned it. Svechnikov then buried the shot from a challenging angle near the face-off circle.
In a series where goals were hard to come by, Svechnikov proved clutch, delivering offense when Carolina needed it. This game-winning goal was his eighth of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, placing him second overall, just behind Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars, who has nine. Svechnikov will be a critical player for the Hurricanes as they prepare to face the winner of the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs series.
2. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets
While Hellebuyck`s postseason has seen some fluctuations, he delivered a crucial performance when the Jets needed it most on Thursday, stopping all 22 shots to keep their season alive.
Hellebuyck made numerous high-quality saves, preventing the Stars from generating sustained offense. Early in the second period, he made a stunning glove save on Thomas Harley after a setup from Matt Duchene. Another pivotal moment came later in the period when Hellebuyck executed a perfectly timed poke check on a drive by Wyatt Johnston, assisted by Mikko Rantanen. This defensive play quickly transitioned into offense for the Jets, leading to a goal by Mark Scheifele after a favorable bounce.
Following performances where he allowed eight goals over the previous two games, Hellebuyck was impenetrable in Game 5. He demonstrated his capability to elevate his play, having also recorded a shutout in Game 2. Although the reigning Vezina Trophy winner`s playoff performance hasn`t been consistently elite, his dominant effort significantly helped extend Winnipeg`s season.
1. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Having missed most of the first round (playing only two games), Ehlers is now demonstrating his crucial role in Winnipeg`s offense. On Thursday, he scored two goals on five shots and also recorded a takeaway.
Early in the third period, while the Jets were on a five-on-three power play, Ehlers scored a vital insurance goal. Mark Scheifele`s cross-ice pass found Kyle Connor, who spotted Ehlers open near the net. Ehlers drove in and successfully slid the puck past Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. This goal was his fifth in four games. He later added an empty-netter. Ehlers has now accumulated five goals in the series and remains a driving force for the Jets` attack.
Elton Marrow