Carolina Hurricanes Pregame Presser: Blake & Brind’Amour’s Thoughts Before Game 5 – Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

After their morning skate, the other players, along with Rod Brind’Amour, met with a large group of media, from the US and Canada, before their Game 5 matchup with the Montreal Canadiens. During the press conference, Hockey Writers asked Brind’amour and Jackson Blake about their thoughts on who will enter the big Game 5 on Friday night (May 29).

Jackson Blake

Blake had a career season in his second campaign with the Hurricanes. He had 22 goals and 53 points in 81 games, a big jump from his 17 and 34 in his rookie season. Even in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 22-year-old has been clinical in his second season out. He has four goals and 13 points, tied with Taylor Hall for points and assists (nine). While most of the Conn Smythe Trophy talk has involved Frederik Andersen, Hall, and Logan Stankoven, Blake definitely deserves to be in that conversation.

Speaking of Hall and Stankoven, those two, along with Blake, have been the best line all tournament. They have a combined 16 goals, 19 assists, and 35 points, along with a plus-19 rating. It’s been something to watch as the second line excels, especially since the top line has been the focus of every playoff game. That gave the trio of Hall, Stankoven, and Blake more room to do their thing against better matchups. All in all, those three have been one of the biggest reasons the Hurricanes are where they are right now.

When asked how it’s been playing with them, and how well they’ve been throughout the playoffs, he said, “Hallsy and Stank have been unbelievable these playoffs. It’s been fun playing with those guys. We’re getting there, we’re close, and you can feel it a little bit. It’s exciting right now.”

“I’m going to expect the same tonight. Hopefully, just come with the same attitude, the same mindset, and get it done tonight,” Blake said.

That line will look to continue to build on what they have been doing throughout the playoffs. Hall and Stankoven scored in the Eastern Conference Final, with Blake providing multiple assists. The Canadians held them back somewhat, but eventually they would strike. Now they’re on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years, and that streak has been a big part of that.

Rod Brind’Amour

Brind’Amour has always said that the playoffs, especially now that they are one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals, are a constant concept. Also, they are a confident group, but not overly confident. It has been 20 years since the Hurricanes reached the final dance, back when Brind’Amour captained the team in 2006.

It is well known what a great leadership group the Hurricanes have. Regarding this, when asked about leaning on them to take the lead in the crucial Game 5, Brind’Amour said, “I hope I am. They’re in the room, they’re the ones coming off the ice. We’re going to make a plan. We’re going to try to get it right. But they’re going to have to be the ones leading the way.”

It’s been a long time since storms hit this area. Most importantly, this is the closest the franchise has ever been to an Eastern Conference Final during Brind’Amour’s tenure. We will now close out the series on Friday night in Game 5 to avoid going back to Montreal in Game 6. It will be interesting to see how everything goes. But make no mistake, the focus is on winning Game 5. Everything else will come after that.