In a series dominated by home-ice advantage, the New York Rangers once again showed how crucial the friendly confines of one’s home arena are by beating the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden by a decisive 5-2 score to force a Game 7.Â
The home team has won every single game to this point in the series, with the Hurricanes themselves having never lost at home, and, as of now, never winning on the road.Â
The Rangers came out swinging with their season on the line, pumping Canes’ starter Antti Raanta for three goals on 10 shots through the first 25 minutes to chase him from the game, with rookie Pytor Kochetkov taking over in relief.Â
Filip Chytil led the way offensively for the Rangers with two goals of his own, while Mika Zbanejad, Tyler Motte, and Artemi Panarin padded the score, as well. In goal, Igor Shesterkin was his typically elite self, stopping 37 shots and continuing to look like the best netminder in the series.Â
With the series now headed to a Game 7, all bets are off.Â
The home team has emerged victorious in each game thus far, sure, but the randomness of a do-or-die situation ensures that anything can happen on Monday night, especially with the Rangers riding the momentum of extending their season and the Hurricanes motivated to not waste another chance at slamming the door on their opponent.Â
Raanta faces a prime opportunity to redeem himself in the biggest game of his NHL career, while Shesterkin can cement his status as the best goaltender in the game by dragging his team to the Conference Final.Â
The storylines and drama are abundant. You won’t want to miss it.Â
