NEW YORK, N.Y.: The Carolina Hurricanes have stunned the hockey world once again. Seemingly adopting the magic that possessed the N.C. State men’s basketball team and arena sharers in March, the Hurricanes have taken a 0-3 series that was expected to be over into a game six.
After the Game 5 thriller in Raleigh on Saturday, the Canes advanced to Madison Square Garden for Game 6. Game 5 was a “do or die” game for both teams. For Carolina, it was a chance to push a Game 6 on home ice. For New York, it was a chance to rebound after a seven-game win streak in the NHL playoffs was snapped.
The first period was the goaltending show. Both Frederik Andersen and Igor Shesterkin came into this game for a shot at redemption. Shesterkin attempted to break a new streak of two consecutive playoff games where three goals have been given up in a single period. Many Carolina fans have been calling for Andersen to be benched in favor of rookie goaltender Pytor Kochetkov. Both goaltenders made repeated saves during the first period, leaving the game scoreless.
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The second period highlighted the Rangers’ strengths. With an early shorthanded goal from captain Jacob Trouba and Shesterkin’s great performance, the Rangers looked unstoppable. They performed like the fact that they knew how far they’d come, knowing that they were President’s Trophy winners, remembering the seven-game win streak and the sweep of the Washington Capitals. While the Hurricanes failed yet again to deliver on the powerplay (they currently sit at 1-21), their defense made up for it during the second.
The third period started with a red-and-black bang and only advanced from there. Carolina’s captain, Jordan Staal, opened the third with his first goal of the postseason. Promptly after, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his fourth goal of the postseason – and yes, brought out the famous bird celebration at Madison Square Garden. Carolina’s goal streak continued, with a Jordan Martinook goal. To finish the final period, Martin Necas scored an empty-netter to cause a final score of 4-1 Carolina.
This game left an impression on both teams. For one, the penalty minutes were lower on both ends. Only three players on each team spent time in the box during Game 5. As for Carolina, their powerplay struggles have been well-documented. But with Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s assist on Martinook’s goal, every single player on the roster has recorded at least a point or more this postseason.
The Carolina Hurricanes will play the New York Rangers in Game 6 for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoff’s Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday, May 16. The expected puck-drop time is at 7 p.m. EST at PNC Arena.
