If you had Ian Cole and Brandon Smith with game-winning goals on your bingo card you might also have the lottery numbers.
In the playoffs, it takes those contributions from a few people that you wouldn’t expect but you’ll remember later on.
The Hurricanes head to the Big Apple for game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 2-0 series lead over the New York Rangers after taking care of business at home Wednesday and Friday night inside PNC Arena.
Game 1 – Car 2 – NY 1
The Rangers got on the scoreboard first with a goal from Filip Chytil at the 7:07 mark of the opening stanza. The score remained 1-0 through another period and a half before Sebastian Aho tied the game late in the third period sending the game into overtime.
The Canes wasted little time getting the winning goal from Ian Cole who received a little help as his shot deflected off a Rangers defender and found the back of the net just three minutes into the first overtime game for the Canes this postseason. Antii Raanta put together another masterpiece in the crease coming away with 27 saves.
Game 2 – Car 2 – NY 0
Both teams battled to a scoreless first period before the best penalty kill in the NHL produced a shorthanded chance in the second period and cashed in as Aho completed a perfect pass to former Ranger Brandon Smith who found the back of the net on the 2 on 1 opportunity. The goal was Smith’s first postseason tally in nine years.
The Hurricanes held true to their “Cardiac Canes” title as the third period featured Carolina fighting off multiple chances from the visiting Rangers. All comeback chances were put to rest at Aho iced the game with an ENG with 1.8 remaining sending the Canes to a 2-0 series lead.
With the wins, Carolina remains a perfect 6-0 at home during the playoffs. Now comes the chance to right their road woes as they are 0-3 so far.
Game 3 Information
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers
3:30 PM EST – Madison Square Garden
ESPN