The Carolina Hurricanes have tied the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights. After the 5-3 victory on Tuesday night in Game 4, the Hurricanes return to Carolina with a chance to take the lead in the series. While it has been an entertaining series for fans, it has been stressful for the Hurricanes.
Now, one of the Hurricanes’ front office executives is talking about watching the series, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
“Watching hockey as a fan has become problematic for my emotions but this series especially has taken a toll on my mental stability,” Justin Williams said. “One of the reasons we love sports is because of the unpredictability, and I don’t know what to expect next.”
Williams is a three-time Cup Champion and a special adviser to the Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky. Williams won his first Cup when he was a member of the Hurricanes, playing with current coach Rod Brind’Amour on the 2006 Cup team. He would go on to win two more Cups in 2012 and 2014, both with the Los Angeles Kings. In the 2014 run, Williams also won the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP.
A few months after retiring from the NHL in October 2020, he joined the Canes front office and has worked with them since. Now, he is watching an insane series. In Game 1, the Hurricanes blew a 2-0 lead and fell on a late goal by Tomas Hertl. Game 2 saw the Golden Knights blow the 2-0 lead, and the Hurricanes went on to win the game in overtime. Game 3 saw the Golden Knights take a 4-0 lead in the second period, but the Hurricanes tied the game and forced overtime. Vegas would win the game in double overtime. Game 4 would be the first game of the series in which a team had the lead and did not lose it, either losing the game or needing overtime to win it.
The series with the Hurricanes and Golden Knights is setting records for goal scoring, and there should be more fireworks on Thursday night, as the two face off in Game 5.
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