Grit was evident tonight for sure from most of our players but we had been asleep for 2 1/2 games prior to tonight.  Last time I looked 2 wins doesn't win a series.

The Kahuna wrote:

---

Give them credit, 5 of the 6 games were 1 goal games...the only blowout was in the habs favour...I'm pretty happy with that, I would have been happier if 3 of those 1 goal games went our way

---

We fell short because we were short talent. Plain and simple. Plus we did not exhibit the consistent effort required to succeed. Hopefully the players who remain next year will learn what it takes to compete in the NHL playoffs. I believe that the tide started turning in game 2. When Ward went in, Carolina became a different team. Even though we managed to pull that game out, it was a close and Carolina became the Carolina they were all year. As far as the one goal games, that is as much a tribute to Gianey playing a 1-4 trap and Huet's great tending that kept it that way. Our Dmen stood tall as well. What we need to take the next step is offense. Plain and simple. I believe that the line of Ryder Koivu Higgins, as a second line, will only continue to get better. Get Kovalev a legitimate second line center and right winger and you have a potent first line that can score on a regular basis. We then will have TWO legitimate scoring lines, a third line that can check and score now and then, and a 4th "energy line".