Raleigh, NC—- The New York Rangers staged an impressive comeback after an early setback, only to face a nail-biting conclusion as victory slipped away in the final moments of regulation. However, they managed to maintain their undefeated streak in the NHL playoffs, securing a thrilling overtime triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 3-2 on Thursday night, thus seizing a commanding 3-0 lead in the second-round series and edging closer to the Eastern Conference Final.
Artemi Panarin emerged as the hero, redirecting a crucial pass between his legs into the net just 1:43 into overtime, stunning the Hurricanes and their fervent crowd. Panarin’s game-winning goal came after a late equalizer from the Hurricanes’ Andrei Svechnikov, which sent the game into overtime. Despite the setback, the Rangers rallied when it mattered most, capitalizing on a pivotal opportunity to snatch victory from the brink of defeat.
New York coach Peter Laviolette commended his team’s resilience in high-pressure situations, emphasizing their collective determination to persevere and finish strong, a sentiment echoed by the players themselves.
The decisive moment unfolded when Carolina’s Dmitry Orlov lost possession of the puck in the defensive zone, allowing Vincent Trocheck to set up Panarin for the winning goal. Panarin’s deft tip-in past Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov sealed the Rangers’ triumph and set off jubilant celebrations both on the ice and among their supporters.
The Rangers, riding high on their playoff momentum after sweeping the Washington Capitals in the first round, are now within striking distance of another series sweep as they head into Game 4.
Contributions from Chris Kreider, who scored a shorthanded goal in the second period, and Alexis LaFreniere, who found the back of the net in the third period, propelled the Rangers to their lead before Svechnikov’s late equalizer for the Hurricanes.
Despite a valiant effort from Carolina, including a standout performance from goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who made 22 saves in relief, the Hurricanes fell short once again in overtime, extending their streak of one-goal playoff losses.
Carolina captain Jordan Staal acknowledged the team’s frustration with the narrow margins of defeat but remained optimistic about their performance in other aspects of the game, particularly on the penalty kill.
The Rangers’ victory was underscored by their effective penalty killing and clutch special-teams play, which neutralized Carolina’s potent power play throughout the series. Additionally, forward Filip Chytil made a notable return to the Rangers’ lineup after a lengthy absence due to injury, adding depth to their roster.
As the series unfolds, the Rangers’ confidence and composure under pressure continue to shine, presenting a formidable challenge for the Hurricanes as they seek to turn the tide in Game 4.
