Up 2-1, with one more game at home, Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice actually found himself answering questions about whether the Canes have the upper hand on the Bruins.
"I don't think this series will ever get to the point where we say, 'We've got them where we want them,' " Maurice said. "It's more like we've got a tiger by the tail."
After Game 4 on Friday, we'll know exactly where everyone stands.
Now, you can make the argument that any game in a playoff series is a big one, but I think this one looms as pivotal because of where each team could end up.
If Carolina wins, the Canes will be up 3-1 with a home game left in reserve. Obviously, 3-1 leads are not impermeable, but historically, they're pretty solid.
If Boston wins, it's 2-2 going back to Boston and while the Canes were able to win Game 2 there, the odds would be against them winning two out of three against the Bruins in that situation.
I was surprised the Bruins didn't play better in Game 3 ? I expected their best possible performance ? so that may be coming in Game 4. If so, the Canes had better be ready for it. And if they can't play any better than they did in Games 2 and 3, then the Canes are clearly the better team, all prognostication to the contrary, and will probably win the series in five or six games.
But I think the Bruins are a little better than that, and they should be ready to go Friday, as their season is pretty much on the line.
---raleigh newsobserver
"I don't think this series will ever get to the point where we say, 'We've got them where we want them,' " Maurice said. "It's more like we've got a tiger by the tail."
After Game 4 on Friday, we'll know exactly where everyone stands.
Now, you can make the argument that any game in a playoff series is a big one, but I think this one looms as pivotal because of where each team could end up.
If Carolina wins, the Canes will be up 3-1 with a home game left in reserve. Obviously, 3-1 leads are not impermeable, but historically, they're pretty solid.
If Boston wins, it's 2-2 going back to Boston and while the Canes were able to win Game 2 there, the odds would be against them winning two out of three against the Bruins in that situation.
I was surprised the Bruins didn't play better in Game 3 ? I expected their best possible performance ? so that may be coming in Game 4. If so, the Canes had better be ready for it. And if they can't play any better than they did in Games 2 and 3, then the Canes are clearly the better team, all prognostication to the contrary, and will probably win the series in five or six games.
But I think the Bruins are a little better than that, and they should be ready to go Friday, as their season is pretty much on the line.
---raleigh newsobserver
