Hurricanes level Eastern Final series with win over Canadiens
Carolina defeats Montreal 2-1 in Game 2 to tie the series at 1-1 ahead of the next match on May 25.
The Carolina Hurricanes have levelled the NHL Eastern Final series against the Montreal Canadiens, securing a 2-1 victory in Game 2 on May 23, 2026. The win at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, erased Montreal’s early advantage from Game 1, setting up a decisive third match scheduled for May 25.
Eric Robinson opened the scoring for Carolina in the first period, assisted by William Carrier and Mark Jankowski. The goal provided the Hurricanes with an early lead that they maintained through to the final whistle, despite a snapshot of the live feed showing the score at 1-0 with 5:43 remaining in the opening frame. Frederik Andersen was in net for Carolina, while Jakub Dobes guarded the Montreal crease.
The victory reinforces Carolina’s status as the favourites to win the Stanley Cup. Entering the playoffs with a regular season record of 53-22-7, including a strong 29-10-2 home record, the Hurricanes sit atop the odds board. They are followed by the Vegas Golden Knights, with the Colorado Avalanche trailing on the betting markets.
Montreal, who entered the contest with a 48-24-10 record and a 24-9-8 away record, faced a tough challenge against the home side. The Canadiens had bounced forward in their previous campaign, but the Hurricanes’ defensive structure and early offensive pressure proved difficult to overcome in this fixture.
The match was officiated by referees Kelly Sutherland, Gord Dwyer, and TJ Luxmore, with linesmen Ryan Gibbons, Matt MacPherson, and Bevan Mills assisting. The game was broadcast across TNT, truTV, and HBO Max, drawing attention to the shifting dynamics of the Eastern Conference final.
With the series now tied 1-1, both teams prepare for the return leg in Raleigh. The outcome of Game 3 will be critical, as the Hurricanes look to capitalise on their home-ice advantage and the momentum from this victory.
