When: Sunday, May 22, 3:30 p.m. EST
Watch:ESPN
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
SERIES RECAPS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Keeping It Low Key:Through two games the series has just amassed five goals, four of them belonging to Carolina. Through the first two periods of Game One the big story was that the Rangers were prohibiting the Canes from getting anything going offensively, however a third period equalizer and then an overtime winner quickly changed the outcome. In Game Two New York was held completely off the score sheet, totaling just four high-danger chances at five-on-five according to
NaturalStatTrick.com
. With New York having last change today and the ability to potentially get some of their top dogs away from Jordan Staal's line, will things open up?
Rants Is Streaking:The only goal to have gotten by Antti Raanta through the two games came just 7:07 into the first period of Game One. In the 116:06 since, he's been perfect. Of all goalies on still active teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Raanta's .939 save percentage trails only Jordan Binnington of St. Louis.
The Importance Of Special Teams:After both teams took just one penalty each in Game One, special teams became much more of a factor on Friday night. New York had four power play opportunities in the second contest of the series, while Carolina had three - each in moments to alter the game. Neither converted there and ironically enough the only non-empty net goal of the contest was a shorthanded tally by Brendan Smith. Will either power play be able to convert this afternoon?
Giving Up The Body:A big reason the Canes were able to keep the puck out of their net on Friday was because of their defensive unit's shot blocking. The team finished with 24 blocks and just 21 shots making their way onto Raanta. Brett Pesce led the way with his five blocks.
Third Pair Heroes:Third defensive pair partners Ian Cole and Brendan Smith have recorded the game-winning goals for Carolina thus far this series. Both only had one game-winning goal each during the regular season. Cole's Game One winner in overtime was just his second career postseason goal in his 104th appearance. For Smith, it was the first shorthanded goal by a Canes defenseman in the playoffs since the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals.
On The Other Side:Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was strong once again for New York in Game Two, however suffered the loss due to no goal support. He stopped 20 out of 21, including all five he faced while his team was shorthanded. On the other hand, both offensive superstars Artemi Panerin and Chris Kreider were held without a shot on goal in the contest.
ESPN Broadcast:Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro and Emily Kaplan will be the broadcast talent for tonight's ESPN telecast. They will have the first four games of the series.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing white today.
More Milestones:Sebastian Aho is one assist shy of passing Ron Francis for the most assists in franchise playoff history. He is also one point shy of passing Eric Staal for the most in franchise history.
Worth A Click:
Mailbag #28: Off To The Big Apple
Round Two Schedule
Round Two Tickets
Round Two Watch Party Info
CanesCast Episode 211: Round Two
Mailbag #27: Round One Winners
Canes 2022 Playoffs Merch
