The New York RangersThey had relied on their power plays to ignite them offensively during their regular season and their first round Stanley Cup playoff victory over the Penguins. Pittsburgh Penguins.
But against the Carolina HurricanesThe best penalty-killing NHL team, they are currently in power outage. They’re now in 0-2 position in the series.
Rangers’ power play went unfortunate at 4-for-4, and the Rangers surrendered the game winning goal to Carolina’s defenseman. Brendan SmithIn their 2-0 loss.
“Their power plays are so good. “Obviously, that was what made the difference in tonight’s game,” Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina coach. “I don’t want it to be that way, taking penalties against them. But it’s going on. The guys did a wonderful job tonight.”
Goalie Antti Raanta21 saves were made in the shutout. The Hurricanes have stopped 16 power plays at home, which is the most in-season penalty kill.
“A coach’s dream would be a win of 1-0 or even 2-0.” Smith stated that Smith was not able to see the positives in both directions. “That’s an excellent playoff game. While it won’t be popular with fans, it is much more appealing to us as a room.
Two power plays by the Rangers in the first period, and then four minutes of man advantage in the second when Carolina’s defenseman was on the line. Brady Skjei clipped Alexis Lafrenière with his stick. Smith converted, but New York gave up with just 4:06 remaining on the clock. Sebastian Aho.
“I saw Smitty pushing hard towards that backpost. It was more of an area passing, I would think. Aho was glad that it worked out. Aho’s words were a wonderful read. Huge goal.”
The Hurricanes created almost as much offense as the Rangers with their power play in Game 2.
They’re just random plays. I’m not there for a goal. Aho said, “I’m there to take a penalty.” “For some strange reason today, I got some lose pucks here or there. If I can meet the puck and be the first to take it, it’s a green signal.
After going 6-for-19 against Penguins in round one, the Rangers went into the series. The Rangers were fifth in power-play conversion, at 25.2%. They’re currently 0-5 against Hurricanes with two losses.
“We didn’t make use of our power play tonight. This is something we haven’t done too often this season. “That’s the hard part,” Gerard Gallant, Rangers coach, said.
What’s the problem with power plays?
“I’m seeing great penalty kills put a lot on [us],” said Gallant. “We couldn’t find inside man very often, you know the bumper guy. We didn’t adapt quickly enough to the pressure they put on us. You had to compete harder.
One reason the Rangers’ top players are yet to score in this series is because of their failures on power play. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider Adam FoxCarolina has been without its top regular-season scorers, Panarin and Kreider. In Game 2, Panarin and Kreider failed to score a point.
“Our battle level has never been higher. They are great players. We gave them time and space. Smith said, “I think that’s what the big deal is.” Smith said, “There are many times when you need to be grateful.” [Panarin]He’ll try to control his space. But if you don’t stay with him and take his space away, he won’t be able to make the elite plays.
Game 2 was a thrilling game. Game 3 will be played at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The good news is for the Rangers: The Hurricanes won the first two home games against Boston, but lost every one on the road. They were the most defensive team at home, but were only fifth on the road.
Gallant stated, “We have to go home and take care Sunday afternoon’s football game.” “Play well. Play hard. We will find a way for you to win another one.”