Recap: Canes Win Metropolitan Division Title With Win Over Rangers

NEW YORK, NY. -The Carolina Hurricanes claimed a division title for the second straight year Tuesday, after earning a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers.

The Rundown:
While the first period moved by without either team finding the back of the net, this was of note for Carolina, who turned to rookie Pyotr Kochetkov for the third time in four days in net.
After winning his NHL debut Saturday in New Jersey, the 22-year-old then picked up a victory in relief on Long Island the very next day after an injury to Antti Raanta forced him out of the game. With Raanta not 100% for tonight's matchup, the 2019 second round draft pick became a storyline early, weathering a storm against a potent New York offense in the opening minutes of the game to hold them off the board.
Kochetkov was also an integral part of one of the most pivotal stretches of play from the night, which began in the second period when the team had to kill off back-to-back-to-back penalties within a span of 7:08. New York, who possesses the league's third best power play, was given three tries to open the night's scoring, but in the end, it turned out to be a momentum swing for the visitors courtesy of their penalty kill.
Fewer than two minutes after the Canes killed off the third minor, a dazzling connection between Brady Skjei and Vincent Trocheck gave the game's first goal to Carolina.

Minutes later, a Derek Stepan drive from the circle glanced off of Jordan Martinook's arm and in, advancing their lead to 2-0.
Before they could take that advantage back to the locker room for the second intermission, New York was able to get on the board though, coming after Chris Kreider got to a loose puck and slipped one by Kochetkov on his backhand.
However, just as New York was feeling like they had life for the third, a quick response courtesy of Teuvo Teravainen reestablished Carolina's two-goal lead.
Taking their 3-1 score into the third, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis then tacked on another just 32 seconds into the final frame of regulation.

That marker, Aho's 400th career point, wound up serving as the game-winning goal for the evening. New York was able to get a shot from the point by Kochetkov and then make things interesting with the extra attacker on late, but the final horn eventually came and the Canes hung on for a 4-3 victory.
The win officially clinched the Metropolitan Division title for the team, their second divisional championship in as many years. They'll now have home ice advantage through at least the first two rounds of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They Said It:
Rod Brind'Amour's opening remarks after capturing the division title and what it means...
"You probably need to take a minute and realize that it's been a pretty darn good year. We've done what we've wanted to do. What's great is guys aren't really that excited about it. We know that there are bigger things that we are trying to accomplish. We set out to be the best and we're at the top of our division, which is great, but it's an accomplishment and we'll enjoy it for a little while, but we'll get right back at it tomorrow."
Jordan Martinookdescribing Kochetkov coming into a high-pressure situation and handling it in stride...
"He doesn't speak a whole lot of English, but when he does, he makes you laugh. You can tell the language barrier is there, but you understand him and he understands you. Hockey is such a universal game and whenever he's playing like that, we love him. He's been great so far."
Brady Skjeion the seven-minute penalty kill swing in the second period...
"That was huge. Our penalty kill has been really good all year. We don't want to have to rely on it that much with all the penalties we've taken, but it's been one our strengths all year was good."
What's Next?:
After five days in New York City, the Canes finally make their way back to Raleigh post-game. They are scheduled to be off on Wednesday and will return to work Thursday, hosting New Jersey for their final regular season game.
Bonus Notes:
Worth A Click:
Burnside: Slavin's Story
Hurricanes April Schedule
NHL Standings