Three New York Rangers Who Stood Out In Game Three Against Carolina
Wow, What a game by the New York Rangers. If you ever told me that the New York Rangers would lead the Carolina Hurricanes three games to none in the 2nd round of the playoffs, I would have called you crazy. The Rangers did it through and beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime. Many stood out, but three players did the most in this matchup.
Honorable Mention - Welcome Back, Filip Chytil
Chytil did not do much in this game, but I have to say, it is great to see this man back on the ice. I thought that his career was over with his concussion issues. However, he beat the odds and was more physical, making two hits in this game. It is great to see Chytil back, and I am happy that he can contribute to this playoff squad.
3) Igor Shesterkin Is A Brick Wall
How great is Igor Shesterkin? This dude has been a brick wall throughout the playoffs, but in this series against Carolina, he has performed at his best. In game three, he faced 47 shots and made 45. This is two straight games of him having 45 or more saves.
A .957 save percentage and 1.96 GAA are excellent, but he might be on the verge of history. Shesterkin is now tied with Mike Richter for the longest playoff win streak in franchise history. When did Richter do that? In 1994, the Rangers won the Stanley Cup. Maybe lightning will strike twice.
2) Alexis Lafreniere Has Been Brilliant
If one player were to have a breakout season, I would immediately say Lafreniere. He has benefitted the most from the coaching change the Rangers made last offseason because Laviolette has utilized him much better than Gallant did.
Game three against Carolina showcased that, and he even scored a goal in the third period, putting the team up 2-1. That's not all; he also had an assist on Artemi Panarin's overtime goal on overtime. Speaking of which...
1) Artemi Panarin Wins It Again
Roses are red, violets are blue, and Bread Man scores another game-winner, too. This has been his career-best season, and even in the playoffs, he has dominated. He even had an essential assist with Lafreniere's goal in the third period.
Panarin has been excellent, and I want him to finish strong and stay healthy. He is one of the four main pillars of this team, and it would suck if he weren't on the ice.
I did not expect the New York Rangers to dominate the Carolina Hurricanes in this series and lead the series 3-0. They have been phenomenal in the second round. I hope they keep going, do what they did in round one against Washington, and sweep Carolina.
Carolina's special teams have been awful in this series. They have allowed multiple power-play goals and even had the Rangers score on a shorthand goal. Carolina is also currently 0/15 against the Rangers while on the power play.
Never have I seen the deepest rosters known to man dominate so many metrics in almost every game yet find ways to lose as Carolina has. As a Rangers fan, I like it. And as I said earlier, I hope the Ranges pull a Kenny Omega and sweep the Hurricanes.
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