When: Thursday, May 26, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:ESPN
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
SERIES RECAPS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Finding Ways To Capitalize:The Carolina Hurricanes have been able to beat Igor Shesterkin for just one goal in three consecutive games now. While New York has done a steady job of blocking shots, the Canes have still managed to get 97 shots on goal over the course of the outings. Shesterkin, an MVP candidate, certainly deserves praise for his ability to keep the puck out of the net, however, there is plenty of responsibility on Carolina to finish at a better rate when they have opportunities. Players and coaches have said since Tuesday's final horn that they aspire to get to the tougher, dirty areas of the ice, specifically the front of the net and also capitalize when provided with chances. Will they be able to accomplish either of those things this evening?
Winning The Special Teams Battle:Another one of the reasons that Carolina came out on the wrong end of Tuesday's result was yet another loss on the special teams side of things. For a second consecutive game New York scored on a first period power play, putting Carolina behind the eight ball. For a fourth consecutive game the Canes failed to record a power play goal, now moving them to 0-for-9 in the series. Rod Brind'Amour has called upon his top unit to be better. Now with Nino Niederreiter on the opening group, will he be the change that was needed?
More Rough Stuff:At Tuesday's final horn there were four penalties handed out, as Ryan Reaves had a hold on Max Domi, and Ian Cole was on top of K'Andre Miller. The Rangers proved their "No Quit In NY" motto to be true in Game 4 especially, as they had their most notable sequence of physicality coming after they reclaimed their three-goal lead in the third period. All of this also came after Steven Lorentz dropped the gloves with Jacob Trouba in the first, stepping in to defend Domi after a massive first period hit at center ice. Will any of that carry over into tonight?
Don't Sleep On Rants:Although it came in a losing effort, Antti Raanta was outstanding once again in net for Carolina Tuesday. While it will go down as him allowing three goals on 28 shots, the 33-year-old Finnish netminder had to make several highlight reel stops to keep the game from getting out of hand. His .931 postseason save percentage currently has him ranked tied for third among all active remaining goalies in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (min. 6 GP).
Home Cookin':Carolina is 6-0 at PNC Arena thus far in the playoffs. They're 0-5 on the road. Will their success in Raleigh continue tonight?
ESPN Broadcast:Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro and Emily Kaplan will be the broadcast talent for tonight's ESPN telecast.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing black tonight and every home game of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
More Milestones:Sebastian Aho, who set the franchise record for most assists and points in Tuesday night's Game 4, is now just two goals shy of passing Eric Staal for the most goals in team postseason history. Jaccob Slavin is two assists away from passing Staal for the second-most assists in team playoff history.
Worth A Click:
Slavin Named Lady Byng Trophy Finalist
Round Two Schedule
Round Two Tickets
Round Two Watch Party Info
Canes 2022 Playoffs Merch
