Rangers seek to become back-to-back Stanley Cup champions
Carolina’s 3rd period comeback attempt fell short and the Rangers won 3-2 to win the series. The Hurricanes scored twice in the final frame, tying 2-2 on Jordan Martinook’s first of the postseason with plenty of time to play. Unfortunately they failed to come up with the go-ahead goal while Chris Kreider scored unassisted with 7 minutes left in regulation to put New York ahead 3-2.
Alexander Radulov lit the lamp twice during two New York power plays. In the 1st period, Canes Steleo Mattheos was called for tripping and Radulov scored a minute later. Then, in the 2nd frame, Dmitrij Jaskin went into the box for slashing. Radulov scored a minute later.
It’s the second straight season that Carolina was eliminated by New York. Last season, it happened in the 2nd round.
Alexis Lafraniere redirected a shot by K’Andre Miller into the Hurricanes net with 41 seconds remaining in overtime, giving New York a 4-3 victory and a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. In the most competitive game yet in the best of 7, neither team could break away, taking turns matching the other team’s goal. Lafraneire’s goal was his 2nd of the game after opening the night with a score 4:38 into the 1st period.
Boston swept Buffalo to advance to the 2nd round. New Jersey, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Colorado, Calgary, and Chicago all lead their series 3-1.
Artemi Panarin scored on the power play 2:59 into the 3rd period to break a 2-2 tie and the Rangers went on to defeat the Hurricanes 4-2 at Madison Square Garden. It was Panarin’s second of the game and third of the series.
Carolina had taken a 2-0 lead in the 1st before New York began their comeback. Two minutes into the 2nd period, Sebastian Aho went to the box for slashing, then Panarin found the back of the net during the man-advantage. Igor Shesterkin returned to the win column by making 29 saves.
The Hurricanes scored 5 unanswered goals to take Game 2 by a 5-3 final. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st period then their defense too the night off, allowing Carolina to tie 2-2 in the 2nd period. Teuvo Teravainen gave the Hurricanes their first lead 6:07 into the 3rd period and added his 2nd goal 9 minutes later. Sebastian Aho also scored in the 3rd, his first of the series.
Ryan Strome broke a scoreless tie in the 2nd period, then Artemi Panarin put the all-important second goal to begin the 3rd period, and the Rangers strolled to a 4-1 win against the Hurricanes in the series opener at PNC Arena. Igor Shesterkin made 12 saves and was inching towards his 3rd career shutout in the playoffs, but Canes’ C/LW Jesperi Katkaniemi’s late goal erased the achievement.
Sebastien Aho was a non-factor in the series opener, held to a shot and finished a -3 plus/minus. As a team, Carolina fired off just 4 shots through the first two periods.
Defense — Carolina’s potent offense average 3.44 GPG (2nd) and surrendered 2.82 GAPG (9th). Sebastian Aho will lead the Hurricane’s offense. Aho finished on top of the league in scoring (113 points) and assists (77), and tallied 41 Power Play points. Teammate Teuvo Teravainen finished 9th in points (85).
Goaltending — Defending the net will be goalie Frederik Andersen who notched a 2.67 GAA and .911 SV%. Andersen recorded 4 shutouts.
Special Teams — Power play: 23.8% (1st), Penalty Kill: 86.0% (7th)