The New York Rangers beat the Hurricanes 6-2 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals with a seven-game victory on Monday in Carolina.
The first six duel of the series were won by the host team. The seventh and final meeting didn’t have such an outcome, however, nor did it smile on the Hurricanes, who ended their playoff run with polemic records of 7-1 at home and 0-6 on the road.
The New Yorkers hit twice instead of once at the start of the game thanks to their power play. Adam Fox defeated Antti Raanta in the fourth minute and assisted on Chris Kreider’s goal before half -time in the first half.
Shortly after the goalie change, Raanta was replaced by Pyotr Kochetkov due to injury, the Hurricanes suffered another blow late in the second period when Ryan Strome made it 3-0.
Raanta fell into action stretching his right leg while moving. Author of 16 saves, Finn got 13 of 14 starts in the series as Frederik Andersen tried to regain control, without success.
The Hurricanes ’hopes of continuing their drive were dashed early in the final period when Kreider completed his brace and chilled the home fans.
Igor Shesterkin’s shutout, re -imperial between posts, flew in the middle of third to Tony DeAngelo’s victory, one of the rare celebrations for Metropolitan Division champions. Filip Chytil quickly straightened out the record, scoring for the third time against Kochetkov, who stopped nine shots.
As the final minutes passed, Max Domi added a second against Shesterkin. The Vézina Trophy candidate stopped 37 of the 39 pucks sent into his net. Andrew Copp completed the equation in an empty cage.
Before losing to Rangers, the Hurricanes had never lost a decisive game on six occasions since the organization was founded in Raleigh.
The Rangers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday in the Eastern Final. The New Yorkers have also earned the honors of three duels this season between the two teams.
A hands-down winner of the Battle of Florida, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion has not been on duty since May 23, when he delivered the knockout blow to the Panthers.
The four aces will be completed by the Colorado Avalanche and the Edmonton Oilers, who will cross the sticks for the first time Tuesday, in Denver.
Source: Radio-Canada
