It had been a tough time for the franchise. The Carolina Hurricanes had not seen games going into April since 2009, but the day had come where if they won and results elsewhere favored them, Carolina could seal a playoff berth.
All they needed to was beat the New Jersey Devils, and hope the Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens in regulation. Washington would clinch the Metropolitan division with 2 points from Montreal. There was hope for Carolina to seal a playoff spot.
Montreal was white-hot going into this game, and it showed early. Washington was given everything they could handle forcing saves out of the Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby.