Carolina Hurricanes: Discipline is Key Against the Panthers
Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour has emphasized the need for his players to remain calm and avoid retaliation against the aggressiveness of the Florida Panthers. Following the loss in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, Brind’Amour stressed the importance of not falling for the opposing team’s provocations and focusing on the game strategy that will allow them to achieve victories.
We know how they play. We must find a way not to be affected by that. We must stick to what will win us games.
Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes Coach
A key point for the Hurricanes in the first game was the penalty for rough play by Sebastian Aho against Anton Lundell of the Panthers. This action nullified a power play opportunity for Carolina and allowed Carter Verhaeghe to score the first goal of the game during a Panthers power play.
Brind’Amour commented on the importance of avoiding retaliation penalties, as these can negatively affect the development of the game. The coach highlighted that, although the team has handled these types of situations well, a single penalty can change the course of the match.
Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal also acknowledged the need to reduce mistakes and penalties. He highlighted that the Panthers are a team that knows how to take advantage of errors and score goals.
Another example of retaliation, although less costly for Carolina, was when Shayne Gostisbehere deliberately shot a puck at Florida’s Brad Marchand. In this case, the Panthers were the ones penalized, as Marchand received a double minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct penalty.
The Panthers’ attitude extends to their composure on the ice. Although they have earned their reputation as a physical and irritating opponent, attributes that helped them win the Stanley Cup for the first time last season, they can both provoke and resist.
Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky showed his composure despite the scuffles in the scoring area. Coach Paul Maurice praised Bobrovsky’s serenity.
Sergei is not a child. He’s been through this. He’s been hit. He’s just developed a skillset that doesn’t bother him.
Paul Maurice, Panthers Coach
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be played Thursday night in Raleigh. The Hurricanes have lost 13 straight games in that round of the playoffs, including five in a row against the Panthers.
