Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final was full of major twists and turns.
The Carolina Hurricanes, down 2-0, appeared to be heading to a 2-0 series deficit. Instead, they became the first team since 1944 to rally for a victory after trailing by two goals with 10 minutes left in a Stanley Cup Final game.
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The Vegas Golden Knights appeared to go ahead 3-2 with the puck clearly in the net. But it was ruled no-goal and a John Tortorella challenge was denied, giving the Hurricanes a power play. Carolina had struggled with the man advantage but scored for the lead.
But the Golden Knights would delay the Hurricanes’ victory celebration, getting a late tying goal before Carolina won in overtime.
Here are the winners and losers of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final:
WINNERS
Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis
Jarvis and the Hurricanes’ top line has taken its share of criticism for lack of production. He was replaced on the Sebastian Aho-Andrei Svechnikov line by Jordan Martinook during the game. But Jarvis ended up scoring in overtime on a one-timer. He told ABC that the best part was winning in front of the home fans. “It was the best feeling in the world,” he said.
Golden Knights forward Brett Howden
He had 12 goals in the regular season and is up to 13 in the playoffs. He showed strength on both goals, breaking free from Sean Walker on the first goal and outmuscling Jaccob Slavin on the second.
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Hurricanes’ power play
The success rate was 12.5% coming into the series and didn’t connect in Game 1 and the first two periods of Game 2. But it came through when it mattered. Shayne Gostisbehere’s shot was tipped in by Jordan Staal after the Golden Knights’ unsuccessful challenge. The defenseman fed Jarvis for the game-winner in overtime.
“That’s his job as the quarterback to make those reads, and he made those reads,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.
LOSERS
The no-goal controversy
Did the referees blow the call? Or was Tortorella wrong for challenging? Regardless, it was ruled a no-goal, was challenged unsuccessfully and the Hurricanes went ahead on the power play.
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Here’s what both coaches said:
“I saw a loose puck in front of Freddy (Andersen),” Tortorella said “Our player stabbed it, it didn’t move the goalie and it goes through him to the other side. I’d challenge it 10 out of 10 times.”
Said Brind’Amour, talking about his experience: “If you call no-call on the ice, you better be 100 percent if you challenge it.”
Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl
He was the hero of Game 1 when he scored the winning goal. But he was in the penalty box for tripping when Jarvis scored in overtime.
Brayden McNabb injury
It was tough to see as he took a puck to the face and, according to ABC, went to the hospital. The Golden Knights played a long time with five defensemen. That could have been a factor as the Hurricanes rallied.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stanley Cup Final winners, losers: Carolina rallies, Vegas unravels
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