But they hope having forward Justin Williams, one of the most clutch performers in Stanley Cup Playoff history, will ratchet the drama even higher and give them an edge in deciding the best-of-7 series.
Williams has earned his Mr. Game 7 nickname. He has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in eight Game 7s, more than any player in NHL history.
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And in 23 playoff games facing elimination during his NHL career, Williams has 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists), including a third-period goal in Carolina's 5-2 win at PNC Arena in Game 6 on Monday that extended the series.
"We won a game that we had to," said Williams, the Hurricanes captain. "We expected to do that. We expect to win next game too."
A big part of Carolina's success this season has been forged from the partnership between Williams and first-year coach Rod Brind'Amour. It began in 2006, when each had 18 playoff points to help Carolina win its only Cup title, with Brind'Amour the captain.
"Our relationship is great," Brind'Amour said. "It always has been, whether he was captain or not. We can talk to each other. He's given me a lot of tips this year, and I'll drag him in and show him [video]. It's been good."