Monday, his players responded as the Hurricanes downed the Florida Panthers 3-0 to avoid a sweep and stay alive in the Eastern Conference finals.
Goalie Frederik Andersen made 20 saves for the shutout after sitting out Game 3. Logan Stankoven gave the Hurricanes their first lead of the series and Sebastien Aho and Jordan Staal added empty-netters to end Carolina’s 15-game losing streak in the conference finals.
‘It’s nice not to have to talk about that,’ Brind’Amour said.
The Panthers were without Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola and A.J. Greer, who are day-to-day.
Brind’Amour didn’t mention players in his post-Game 3 criticism, only saying the four rookies shouldn’t be the best players on the ice. He also credited Staal and Jordan Martinook for their play.
Rookies Alexander Nikishin and Stankoven teamed up for a goal on Monday and Staal also scored.
But some of the players Brind’Amour didn’t specifically mention had big games. Dmitry Orlov, a minus-4 in a mistake-filled Game 3, was a plus 2 on Monday. The top line of Aho, Andrei Svechnkov and Seth Jarvis totaled three points and 10 shots, seven by Aho.
Jaccob Slavin played 28 minutes and blocked four shots, and Brent Burns had an assist.
Andersen is the third goalie in franchise history to record a shutout in an elimination game.
‘There were some real tough shots that looked easy tonight and that’s how you know he’s kind of on,’ Brind’Amour said.
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes:
Hurricanes vs. Panthers highlights
Final score: Hurricanes 3, Panthers 0
The Hurricanes dictate their style of play to stay alive. Frederik Andersen has a 20-save shutout in his return to the net. Game 5 will be Wednesday in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Jonah Gadjovich gets misconduct
He’s called for roughing, then shoots the puck at Scott Morrow.
Hurricanes-Panthers score: Another empty-netter
Jordan Staal gets this one. Hurricanes 3, Panthers 0
Hurricanes-Panthers score: Carolina gets empty-netter
After a Panthers turnover, the Hurricanes start a three-way passing play and Sebastien Aho scores. Hurricanes 2, Panthers 0
Panthers go on power playu
Logan Stankoven is called for high-sticking. Panthers are 0-for-3 in Game 4. Now 0-for-4. Hurricanes have killed eight consecutive Panthers power plays.
Mark Jankowski scores, but the Panthers challenge for offsides and officials agree. Still 1-0 Carolina.
Panthers go on power play
Alexander Nikishin slashes Anton Lundell on a breakaway attempt. Carolina kills it off.
Hurricanes go on power play
Dmitry Kulikov is called for roughing Logan Stankoven. It’s killed off and Kulikov gets a chance after he comes out of the penalty box but is stopped by Frederik Andersen.
Third period underway
Hurricanes lead 1-0. They’re 5-0 in the postseason when leading after two period. The Panthers are 1-3 when trailing after two. They start the period with 11 seconds of a power play. It’s killed. No shot on the power play.
End of second period: Hurricanes, 1 Panthers 0
The Hurricanes, trying to stave off elimination, have another strong period, outshoot the Panthers 12-5. Carolina is getting good breakout and zone entries. They also get their first lead of the series when Alexander Nikishin finds Logan Stankoven as the Panthers were caught with five men on the same side of the ice. Sergei Bobrovsky is keeping Florida in the game with 22 saves, including back-to-back-to-back opportunities in the second period.
Panthers on power play
Brent Burns off for cross-checking. Panthers need to get something here. Carolina kills the first part, but 11 seconds will remain in the third period.
Hurricanes-Panthers score: Logan Stankoven gives Carolina lead
Nice pass from Alexander Nikishin. Nicer goal by Logan Stankoven, who rips a high shot past Sergei Bobrovsky. It’s the Hurricanes’ first lead of the series. Hurricanes 1, Panthers 0
Another 4-on-4
Jordan Staal hooks Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk, who’s called for embellishment. Carolina outshooting Florida 5-0 in the period so far.
Hurricanes go on power play
Seth Jones goes for hooking Sebastien Aho. Hurricanes get one shot, but Panthers kill it off.
Second period underway
No score in the first period for the first time this series. Frederik Andersen was solid in his return to the Hurricanes’ net, though he wasn’t really tested.
End of first period: Panthers 0, Hurricanes 0
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour had called out much of his team’s effort in Game 3. He got a better effort in Game 4. Carolina leads in shots 11-7 with Sebastien Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Jackson Blake each getting two. They also have 22 hits though 20 minutes after not having more than 50 for the entire game in the first three games.
4-on-4 play
Jackson Blake picks up his second penalty of the game for slashing Nate Schmidt. But Schmidt negates that for roughing Blake. Penalties expire.
Panthers go on power play
Jackson Blake goes off for slashing. Hurricanes kill it off, allowing one shot.
Frederik Andersen looks good early
He has stopped all three shots he faced, including an Aaron Ekblad shot that deflected off a Hurricanes defender.
Game 4 underway
Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov vs. Hurricanes’ Mark Jankowski line.
What time is Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 4?
Game 4 of the Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers series is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday in Sunrise, Florida.
How to watch Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game: TV, stream
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise, Florida)
TV: TNT/truTV
Stream: Sling TV, Max
Stream Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 4 on Sling
Hurricanes lineup
Injured defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker will sit out again.
Florida Panthers lineup
Frederik Andersen to start for Hurricanes
Coach Rod Brind’Amour is going back to Andersen in net. Pyotr Kochetkov started Game 3 and the game was tied 1-1 entering the third period before the Panthers scored five consecutive goals. Andersen started the first two games of the series, which the Panthers won 5-2 and 5-0.
Florida Panthers injury updates
Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola and A.J. Greer are out for Game 4. Reinhart was hurt in Game 2 and the other two were injured in Game 3. Coach Paul Maurice said all three are day-to-day. Jesper Boqvist has taken Reinhart’s place on the top line. Defenseman Uvis Balinskis will enter the lineup in place of Mikkola, and Nico Sturn will replace Greer.