Hurricanes rely on veteran composure in the big rally for a 2

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The value from years of postseason lessons showed up in a desperate time for the Carolina Hurricanes as they turned a big deficit into a memorable comeback after long stretches of downright dominant play.

It was a sign of how the Hurricanes’ veteran experience — a veteran core in the NHL playoffs for the sixth straight year mixed with past-year additions who have raised the Stanley Cup elsewhere — is just as vital as all the talent and depth in that locker room. And that’s particularly true after Monday’s 5-3 win against the New York Islanders, turning a three-goal deficit into a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series with the kind of win that etches itself in franchise lore for years to come.

“You do need to take time to reflect on those things because they’re special, right?” coach Rod Brind’Amour said Tuesday. “How often do you see a game like that with the stakes and everything that they are? But it’s hard because we’re always moving on to the next thing.”