The winning goal for the home team was scored by Vincent Trocek in the 88th minute of the game, allowing the best team of the regular championship to reach the Eastern Conference semi-final series 2-0.
In the first two periods, Alexis Lafreniere scored two goals for the home team, but for the visitors, Jake Guentzel scored twice and Dmitri Orlov once. In the third period, “Rangers” equalized after Chris Crider’s accurate shot in the seventh minute.
“Rangers” goalkeeper Igor Shestjorkin saved 54 of 57 shots in this game, while on the opposite side, Frederik Andersen managed 35 of 39 home shots.
The next two games of the series will take place on Friday and Sunday at the Hurricanes’ field.
It has already been announced that in the quarterfinals of the Eastern Conference, the “Rangers” beat the Washington “Capitals” 4-0 in the series, while the “Hurricanes” defeated the New York “Islanders” 4-1.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche started the semifinals of the Western Conference on Tuesday with a victory away from home.
The home team took a three-goal lead in the first period after goals from Ryan Sutter, Wian Johnson and Jamie Benn, but couldn’t hold on to it. In the second period, Valery Nichushkin and Kyle Makar scored most of the goals for the Avalanche, and Nathan McKinnon made it 3-3 at the beginning of the third period.
Miles Wood scored the winning goal in the 12th minute of extra time for the guests.
The second game of the series will take place in Dallas on Thursday, but the next two matches will be played at the “Avalanche” field.
As you know, in the first round of the Stanley Cup, “Stars” beat last season’s champions Vegas “Golden Knights” 4-3 in the series, while “Avalanche” defeated Winnipeg “Jets” hockey players 4-1.
Last season, in the final series, Vegas “Golden Knights” beat Florida “Panthers” 4-1, Latvian forward Teodoras Bļuger became the winner of the Stanley Cup as part of the Vegas team.
