(Raleigh) Brady Skjei scored on a power play at 16:49 in the third period and the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Rangers 4-3 on Saturday, avoiding being swept by New York in the second round of the East.
Skjei’s point shot deflected off the post and past Igor Shesterkin, following a pass from Teuvo Teravainen.
The Hurricanes scored a first advantage goal in the series, in their 17e occasion.
Having ended this drought is of little importance, however, argued Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said. At this time of year, all that matters is going for wins. »
Carolina led 2-0 early in the first period, following goals from Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stefan Noesen.
Will Cuylle fought back, but the Hurricanes went into the first intermission in control 3-1, including Sebastian Aho’s goal (15:29).
“We were very offensive,” Aho said. I would say it had to be. It was a good start. We’re going to want to start like this again [dans le cinquième match]. »
Author of 22 saves, Frederik Andersen was also beaten by Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow.
Lafrenière created a 3-3 deadlock at 2:04 in the third period.
He scored with a backhand from a difficult angle, after taking a pass from Mika Zibanejad.
It was a fourth goal of the current playoffs for Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 draft.
Since the start of the playoffs, Zibanejad is third in points with 13, tied with Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers.
Shesterkin blocked 27 shots.
The Rangers will have another chance to end the series Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
“We quickly found ourselves in trouble [samedi], confided Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. I don’t think it was a lack of preparation, but we’re going to have to do better than that. »
The Hurricanes are trying to become the fifth team to erase a 3-0 deficit to win a series. It hasn’t been successful since 2014.
The Rangers swept the Washington Capitals in the first round.