Hurricanes shut down on power play again, fall into 0
NEW YORK (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes had the NHL’s second-best power play during the regular season. They’ve been bottled up the New York Rangers and that’s been the difference in their second-round playoff series.
The Hurricanes converted at 26.9% during the season — behind only the Tampa Bay Lightning. After going 5 for 15 (33.3%) in the first round against the New York Islanders, they’ve been shut down on 10 advantages through two games against the Rangers.
Special teams was the key in the series opener as Carolina went 0 for 5 in the 4-3 loss on Sunday while New York scored on both its chances. The Hurricanes went 0 for 5 again and gave up two more power-play goals in a 4-3 loss in two overtimes in Game 2 on Tuesday night to fall into an 0-2 series hole.
“Everyone knows our special teams have to get better,” Carolina’s Jordan Staal said. “We’ll get better and find a way to turn the tide in the series.”