Stanley Cup Playoffs Day 26: Shesterkin helps offense and defense as Rangers force Game 7
When I previewed this series between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers, I mentioned Igor Shesterkin as a big reason why the Rangers will win this series if they do. When I said that, I was expecting it to just be as a goalie, but tonight he stepped it up in another department, getting two assists in the 5-2 win over the Canes.
The Hurricanes were the ones pressuring early, getting chance after chance and overwhelming the Rangers in their own zone, but it was the Rangers who broke the ice, as Tyler Motte got a weak shot past Antti Raanta, one he probably wants back.
Tyler Motte (@tmotte_14) gets the party started on a Saturday night! 🎶🕺 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @ESPN ➡️ https://t.co/41SxkN49Ig
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/snG9hA2fxT pic.twitter.com/iIB1mzV97O
That momentum continued just two minutes later, as Mika Zibanejad continued to be red hot for the Rangers and score to give them a 2-0 lead. Filip Chytil then added to that lead with an early goal in the second to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead, another goal that Raanta will probably want to have back.
In case you didn't know, @filip_chytil can really rip a puck… 🥵 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @ESPN ➡️ https://t.co/41SxkN49Ig
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/snG9hA2fxT pic.twitter.com/EuetaREO8A
After that, it never really got close again. The Canes scored twice to draw the lead to two, but each time, the Rangers got another one to extend the lead to three again.
Chytil finished the night with two goals, while Igor Shesterkin stopped 37 of 39 in the game, as well as the two assists. With that, the Hurricanes and the Rangers head to game 7, both teams already playing in one in the first round.