The Hurricanes play their second night in as many days against the defending champion the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes won the first two meetings against this team and Carolina was looking for the series sweep.
The Lightning started the first period strong, registering 6 shots before the Canes were able to get one. But, it was the Hurricanes who struck first with a goal from Nino Niederreiter on the team’s first shot. The goal came 7 minutes and 59 seconds into the period. That goal was Nino’s 21st this year, a new high in his Canes career.