Antti Raanta, Hurricanes shutout Rangers 2-0 in Game 2; take 2-0 series lead
The Carolina Hurricanes took a commanding 2-0 lead in their best of seven second-round playoff series against the New York Rangers, taking Game 2 on Friday night, 2-0.
A smothering Carolina checking effort backed by a shutout performance from goaltender Antti Raanta was the difference for the Hurricanes on Friday night.
Raanta earned his first career playoff shutout, turning away all 21 New York shots.
Game 2 was tight from the opening face-off, with neither team finding many opportunities to score.
The Hurricanes and Rangers combined for only 13 shots in a scoreless first period. The Rangers had two chances on the powerplay late in the period but were turned away each time.
Deadlocked at 0-0, a high-sticking double-minor penalty against Carolina's Brady Skjei gave the Rangers its best chance to get on the board; instead, the Hurricanes took advantage.
Defenseman Brendan Smith notched a shorthanded tally 2:54 into the four-minute Rangers' advantage to break the scoreless tie, 15:54 into the second period.
With Carolina still nursing a 1-0 lead deep into the third period, the Rangers pulled goaltender Igor Shesterkin with 2:44 left for the extra attacker. They managed a few chances on Raanta but couldn't come up with the equalizer.
Sebastian Aho potted an empty-net goal with 1.8 seconds left to seal the Hurricanes' victory.
Friday night's Game 2 victory improves the Hurricanes' home record in the playoffs to 6-0.
The second-round series between the Hurricanes and Rangers continues Sunday in New York for Game 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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