Thursday night saw significant developments in the NHL Playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their spot in the conference final by defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in Game 5, thanks to a late winning goal from Andrei Svechnikov. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets managed to extend their season, shutting out the Dallas Stars 4-0 in Game 5.
Andrei Svechnikov`s goal marked his third consecutive game finding the net, providing the breakthrough for Carolina against a tough Capitals defense led by goaltender Logan Thompson. Frederik Andersen also delivered a strong performance for the Hurricanes, stopping 18 of 19 shots. This victory sends Carolina to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in the last three seasons.
In the West, Winnipeg`s victory was highlighted by a standout performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He stopped all 22 shots he faced, recording his second shutout of the series. Forward Nikolaj Ehlers was a key offensive contributor for the Jets, scoring two goals.
Following another intense night of playoff action, let`s recognize some of the most impactful performances from Thursday.
3. Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Hurricanes
Andrei Svechnikov continued to be a crucial offensive force for the Hurricanes when they needed him most. He scored the decisive go-ahead goal, leading Carolina to a 3-1 win that clinched the series. His late-game heroics made him just the fourth player in Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers history to score a game-winning goal in the final two minutes of regulation during a playoff match.
The winning play began when defenseman Sean Walker initiated a rush and received the puck back from Svechnikov in the offensive zone. Walker quickly returned the pass, and Svechnikov buried the puck from a challenging angle near the face-off circle.
In a series where goals were hard to come by, Svechnikov consistently rose to the challenge, showcasing his offensive skill when Carolina needed it. His game-winner was his eighth goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, ranking him second only to Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, who has nine. Svechnikov is expected to be a vital player for the Hurricanes in the next round against the winner of the Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs series.
2. Connor Hellebuyck | G | Jets
Connor Hellebuyck`s performance has varied throughout the postseason, but he delivered spectacularly when his team faced elimination. Hellebuyck turned aside all 22 shots, playing a crucial role in keeping Winnipeg`s season alive on Thursday.
Hellebuyck made several critical saves, preventing the potent Stars offense from gaining momentum. Early in the second period, he made a fantastic glove save on defenseman Thomas Harley`s backhanded shot from the front. Perhaps even more impactful, Hellebuyck turned defense into offense later in the second, executing a perfectly timed poke check on Wyatt Johnston after a pass from Mikko Rantanen. This defensive play sparked a rush that led to a goal by Mark Scheifele.
After allowing eight goals over the previous two games, Hellebuyck was impenetrable in Game 5, resembling the Vezina Trophy-winning form he`s known for. He previously recorded a shutout in Game 2 of the series. While his postseason has had its ups and downs, Hellebuyck`s stellar effort was exactly what the Jets needed to force a Game 6.
1. Nikolaj Ehlers | LW | Jets
After missing most of the first round, Nikolaj Ehlers has quickly demonstrated his immense value to the Jets` offense. In Thursday`s game, Ehlers scored two goals on five shots and also registered a takeaway.
With the Jets holding a five-on-three power play early in the third period, Ehlers provided key insurance. Mark Scheifele passed to Kyle Connor, who found a wide-open Ehlers near the net. Ehlers skated in and successfully slid the puck past Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. This was Ehlers` fourth goal in as many games; he later added an empty-netter. Ehlers now has five goals in the series and continues to be a driving force for the Jets` offensive attack.
