Vincent Trocheck scored on a power play in the second overtime period as the New York Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series on Friday night.
The New York Rangers extended their lead in the Eastern Conference Second Round on Friday night, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a double overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Trocheck's power-play goal at 7:24 of the second overtime period proved to be the game-winner, giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with both teams trading chances and making key saves. The Rangers took the early lead on a goal by K'Andre Miller at 6:43 of the first period, but the Hurricanes responded with a goal by Nino Niederreiter just over six minutes later.
The score remained tied at 1-1 until the third period, when the Rangers regained the lead on a goal by Chris Kreider at 6:15. However, the Hurricanes fought back again and tied the game once more on a goal by Seth Jarvis at 15:11.
The game went to overtime, and both teams had chances to win it in regulation. The Rangers' Artemi Panarin hit the post in the final seconds of the first overtime period, while the Hurricanes' Martin Necas had a chance to win it for Carolina in the second overtime period, but his shot was stopped by Igor Shesterkin.
Trocheck's goal came on a power play after the Hurricanes were penalized for too many men on the ice. The Rangers capitalized on the opportunity, with Trocheck firing a shot past Carolina goalie Antti Raanta to give the Rangers the victory.
Shesterkin was outstanding in goal for the Rangers, making 37 saves. Raanta also played well for the Hurricanes, stopping 34 shots.
The Rangers will now have a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series when they host Game 3 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. The Hurricanes will be looking to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole and will need to find a way to solve Shesterkin.
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