Hurricanes top line held to three even-strength goals through 14 playoff games

Carolina’s top forwards recorded three even-strength goals against a goaltender in the first 14 playoff games.

Scoring drought The line of Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov combined for three even-strength goals through 14 postseason games. Earlier rounds saw production from the second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. Vegas presents a different challenge. The Golden Knights won the series opener and limited Carolina’s top line to few quality chances.

Coach comments Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the forwards must increase offensive-zone time. “They got to play in the other team’s end,” he said. Aho acknowledged the line must improve. “I know we have a better in us, and we’ve got to show it,” he said.

Game 1 shift A late third-period shift produced blocked and saved shots by Jarvis before Tomas Hertl scored the winning goal 21 seconds later. Jarvis said the group must convert existing chances. Hall noted the difficulty of the matchup. “This league is weird: You grip your stick a little tight and you get into a weird matchup, and it can look worse than it is,” he said.

Defenseman Jalen Chatfield said bounces can determine outcomes. “Sometimes it’s bounces,” he said.