Stanley Cup Finals: Game 3

SI Staff | Jun 12, 2006

Stanley Cup Finals: Game 3 /

Stanley Cup Finals: Game 3

Confident after taking the first two games at home, the Hurricanes blew into Edmonton, which raucously hosted its first Stanley Cup finals game in 16 years. `Canes captain Rod Brind'Amour drew constant attention from the Oilers, particularly defenseman Chris Pronger.

With former Edmonton greats Mark Messier, Bill Ranford and Paul Coffey in the house, Raffi Torres and the Oilers put on an impressive display of grit and determination. "We're all proud of them," Coffey said. "They're working hard and playing hard. They've got some talented guys up front and some good guys who play hard on defense."

After a dispiriting 5-0 loss in Game 2, the Oilers tightened up in front of goaltender Jussi Markkanen, who made 24 saves in Game 3 while allowing only one goal. It was his first victory since January 25.

Carolina netminder Cam Ward returned to his hometown, where he was cheered on by his parents, and played cool and steady, making 28 saves. It took a disputed goal by Ryan Smyth with 2:15 left in the third period to beat him.

Physical play in front of -- and sometimes in -- the net has been a major factor in the series, with deflections resulting in several key goals, including the winner in Game 3. Here, Matt Cullen of the `Canes and Michael Peca tangle as Cam Ward tracks an incoming shot.

Oilers center Shawn Horcoff was credited with a goal when he got his stick on a shot by Jaroslav Spacek and directed the puck into the net to open the scoring 21/2 minutes into the first period.

Jussi Markkanen held steady in net until Rod Brind'Amour got one by him to tie the score at 1 with 10:51 left to play in the third period.

Booed during a shaky regular season, Jussi Markkanen was showered with raucous cheers from the Rexall Place crowd in Game 3 as he came up clutch and protected Edmonton's one-goal lead in the final two minutes.

Workhorse Rod Brind'Amour remains the hottest player in the postseason, with a league-leading 12 goals in 24 minutes of ice time per game. His life won't get any easier if Fernando Pisani (34) and his tight-checking teammates have their way during the rest of the series.

Published Jun 12, 2006

SI STAFF