Recap: Fast Scores Overtime Winner To Give Canes 2-0 Series Lead

RALEIGH, NC. -Jesper Fast gave the Carolina Hurricanes a second victory in as many games on Wednesday, taking Game Two from the New York Islanders by a score of 4-3 in overtime.

The Story

Hoping to continue the momentum built in Monday night's series-opening victory, Carolina didn't wait long to get on the scoreboard tonight.
A dominating shift by the line of Jack Drury, Derek Stepan, and Paul Stastny inside the opening five minutes culminated with a Jaccob Slavin shot redirecting off the stick of Stastny in front and in.
Stastny's 27th career postseason goal put the Canes in front before special teams became the story of the next 35 minutes.
After scoring on the man advantage twice during their victory to start the week, Carolina had an opportunity to double their lead before the end of the first frame on a double-minor for high-sticking on Cazey Cizikas of the Islanders. Unfortunately, the power play looked more like that of the final month of the regular season, unable to convert.
The penalty killers were then tasked with upholding their end of the bargain for their first and only time of the night, but to start the second period, it was more of the same from the home power play.
After Matt Martin laid an ugly hit on Jordan Staal at the buzzer to end the opening 20 minutes, the power play couldn't cash in on their first attempt, but they were able to change their fortune during another double-minor moments later.
Stefan Noesen received some puck luck from New York's Sebastian Aho, extending Carolina's lead to a pair.

Then, things started to spiral for the Canes.
Monday night their 2-0 advantage lasted just 24 seconds. Tonight it was 3:29 before the Islanders netted their first of what would be three in a row.
First, Kyle Palmieri fit a backhand bid by Antti Raanta after circling behind the net. Then, before the end of the second period, Mat Barzal capitalized on a turnover at neutral ice by Carolina.
2-2 going to the third, New York then claimed their first lead of the series with 10:42 to go in regulation. Brock Nelson won a one-on-one battle for the puck and beat Raanta on the rush, seemingly further deflating Carolina and leaving many to wonder if there would be another opportunity for them to get back into the game.
Those questions were answered fewer than four minutes later though when Jaccob Slavin found that the bank was still open.
Knotting the game at threes, the tally forced overtime at PNC Arena for the first time in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
But in the extra session, it didn't take long for Jesper Fast to send everyone home happy.

They Said It

Rod Brind'Amoursharing his thoughts on the game and how the group will have to continue to approach scoring by-committee...
"It wasn't a pretty game by us. The other team played really hard. New York was good. In spurts we were okay, we probably played our best hockey when we were down. You're going to have to find different ways (to win). That's the way we have to do it. It's going to have to be like that."
Jesper Faston the game-winner...
"The puck got stuck in the neutral zone for a bit and Burnzie made a great play to Jordo far-side. I just tried to drive to the back post and it was a great pass by Jordo. I don't really know where it went in, but it's a great feeling."
Antti Raantaafter earning a second consecutive victory in net...
"There's been games where I didn't play as good as I can, but these guys just bail me out. It was kind of like that today. We just never give up. It doesn't matter what the score is. If there is a little bit of time left, we will keep doing our best. We play our style and good things usually happen. We're a resilient group."

Bonus Notes

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What's Next?

The Canes will not practice on Thursday. They'll fly to New York ahead of Friday's Game Three.
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