After allowing four goals in each of their first two games in their series with the Capitals, the Hurricanes played unprecedentedly well on the defensive end in Game 3.
The Hurricanes allowed 15 shots tonight, marking the fewest shots against in a playoff game in franchise history.
— Hurricanes PR (@CanesPR) April 16, 2019
Playing its first home playoff game since May 26, 2009, the team allowed Washington to take just 15 shots on goal in Monday's 5-0 win, night setting a new franchise record for fewest shots on goal allowed in a postseason game.
The stifling performance was anchored by a historic second period for the Hurricanes as only one of Washington's 15 shots came in between the intermissions. The lone shot for the Caps came off the stick of Alex Ovechkin just under five minutes into the period. They were unable to engage with Carolina netminder Petr Mrazek again until the four-minute mark of the next frame.
Petr Mrazek is the sixth different goaltender in @NHLCanes / Whalers franchise history to record a shutout in the #StanleyCup Playoffs and first since Cam Ward in Game 2 of the 2009 Conference Semifinals (3-0 W at BOS). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/tOSpcZ5EEc
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 16, 2019
Transitioning to home ice proved beneficial for the Hurricanes as they shutout Washington to win their game in the series. Carolina will attempt to tie the series at two games apiece when they resume play on Thursday evening.