After falling behind 0-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes, the New York Rangers have won two straight to even the series back up. New York had one of its most complete performances in Game 4 and is looking to take its first lead in the best-of-seven series with a win on Thursday.
Home ice has continued to be a difference-maker in the series as the Rangers try to buck that trend and beat Carolina at PNC Arena, which would be a first this playoffs. The Hurricanes have not lost a playoff game at home in either the first round with Boston or currently against the Rangers, who have gone 2-3-0 on the road in the postseason this year.
A win in Game 5 would give the Rangers the chance to close out the series at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. New York has made it a bit of a habit this year to rally from behind, whether in a game or in a playoff series.
While it may not be something Gerard Gallant or the players love, it has certainly given the Rangers a bit of an edge this year.
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NEW YORK RANGERS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES
How to Watch
Date: Thursday, May 26.
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
TV: ESPN
Radio: 98.7 FM ESPN New York
Tale of the Tape
| Rangers | Stat | Hurricanes |
| 52–24–6 | Record | 54–20–8 |
| 3.27 | Goals per game | 2.73 |
| 34.5 | SOG per game | 29.9 |
| 3.18 | Goals against per game | 2.55 |
| Igor Shesterkin | Starting goalie | Antti Raanta |
| .925 | Starting goalie save % | .931 |
| 26.7 | Power Play % | 11.1 |
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Rangers Leaders:
- LW Chris Kreider: 8 points, 6 goals, 2 assists, 3 GWG
- C Mika Zibanejad: 14 points, 5 goals, 9 assists, 2 PPG, 5 PPP
- D Adam Fox: 13 points, 4 goals, 9 assists, 1, PPG, 6 PPP
Hurricanes Leaders:
- C Sebastian Aho: 9 points, 4 goals, 5 assists, 1 GWG, 1 PPG
- LW Teuvo Teravainen: 10 points, 3 goals, 7 assists, 2 PPP
- RW Jaccob Slavin: 8 points, 2 goals, 6 assists
Odds, Lines, and More:
The Pick:
At this point, the Blue Shirts have made a business out of comebacks and the second round against the Hurricanes has been no different. There just seems to be a growing sense of confidence for the Rangers with each passing game and series.
Mika Zibanejad has come up big for New York in its last two games and the play of Igor Shesterkin has been lights out. After struggling a bit in the first round, the second round has been his time to shine with each stellar save that he has made. The Russian netminder has shown no fear of being aggressive in the net and he has never seemed to get rattled when a shot does get by him.
Gallant has proven to be a smart tactician when it has come to his lineup shuffling, which has seemed to jumpstart the dormant Blue Shirt offense. Expect the Rangers to return to New York on Saturday with a chance to close out the series.
