New York Rangers win game 1 over the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 thanks to the Powerplay
By Conor Power
Everyone remember to breathe now. The New York Rangers held on to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in game one of their Stanley Cup Playoff series. Both teams looked rusty out of the gate, but as the game started, the Rangers settled into their defensive structure to suppress the Hurricanes' shot attempts. It was an excellent defensive performance from the Rangers, who will take a lead into game two.
Mika Zibanejad started the scoring when he was found alone in front of the net. Teuvo Teravainen blew his assignment, leaving the Swedish center alone in front of the net. A great pass from Jack Roslovic allowed the Rangers to capitalize. Adam Fox got the other assist, and it was an early lead for the Rangers. Carolina got it back quickly, though, when a point shot from Jaccob Slavin deflected off Alexis Lafreniere's stick and past Igor Shesterkin to make it 1-1.
New York's powerplay then tallied a couple of times to give the Rangers a lead they would never surrender. Chris Kreider worked a beautiful set play to the back post for Mika Zibanejad to deposit that home before a scramble drill at the top of the crease saw Vincent Trocheck glide into the low slot and put the loose puck home to extend the Rangers' lead.
Carolina responded in the third period with a goal from Martin Necas, whose speed seemed to cause the Rangers trouble all night. Artemi Panarin would grab the fourth for the Blueshirts before the Hurricanes scored with their net empty via Seth Jarvis to make it a one-goal game again. New York held on, but it was a tight game and a strong indication of what lies ahead in this series for these two hockey clubs. They both have things to clean up before game two.