Notes on the game
With two games left in the season the Rangers record is 51-23-6 and the Rangers have clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division. It’s their best finish since they were first in 2014-15.
The Rangers still don’t know who they will play in the playoffs. Pittsburgh remains in third place with Washington one point behind them. If the Penguins win their one remaining game, the Caps will have to win both of their remaining games. If the Penguins lose, Washington will need to win one of their last two.
The Hurricanes won the season series 3-1. It was the first time that Carolina won the season series since 2005-06.
This was a meeting of the top two defensive teams in the NHL. They came into the game with both teams allowing 194 games, though the Rangers had played one fewer game. After the game the Hurricanes have allowed a league best 2.43 goals per game while the Rangers are second, allowing 2.48.
The Rangers power play failed on all three attempts. Artemi Panarin skated on all three so that can’t be an excuse. They have dropped to fourth overall with a 25.8% success rate.
The penalty kill stopped all three Carolina power plays and is t 82.2% for the season. They have allowed only one power play goal in the last 12 games, killed 26 of their last 27 penalties.
Chris Kreider deservedly won the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. It was the first time for Kreider to win the award as voted by the fans.
Chris Kreider has been named the winner of 2021-22 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award Presented by @NorthwellHealth! pic.twitter.com/tSDUfmGuP2
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) April 26, 2022
Kreider called it “the greatest honor of his hockey career.”
Kreider scored his 52nd goal of the season, tying him with Adam Graves for the second most in franchise history. He needs two more to tie Jaromir Jagr’s franchise record.
Igor Shesterkin is still a lock to lead the league with the lowest goals against average (2.07) and the best save percentage (.935). His record is 36-13-4. The last Ranger goalie to win more than 36 games was Henrik Lundqvist with 39 in 2011-12, the year he won the Vezina Trophy.
Adam Fox got his 62nd assist of the season, moving into a tie for second among defensemen with Victor Hedman. It’s the fifth most for a Ranger defenseman in franchise history.
Alexis Lafrenière scored his 30th career goal and 18th this season. He is second on the team in even strength goals this season and second over the last two seasons. He is still looking for his first power play goal.