The Carolina Hurricanes wanted Nikolaj Ehlers for a reason.

In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday, he proved worthy of the investment.

The Hurricanes were down 1-0 in their series against the Montreal Canadiens following a painful 6-2 blowout in Game 1. It was Ehlers who spotted Carolina its first lead of this round with a goal late in the second period of Game 2. And it was Ehlers again who put the Hurricanes over the top, scoring an overtime winner to hand Carolina a 3-2 victory and split the series on home ice.